MARGAO
As farmers from Netravali in Sanguem taluka once again showcased for sale the matoli items at the Lohia Maidan, Margao on Thursday, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai has publicly batted for a market for the hinterland farmers to exhibit their product for sale in the commercial capital.
While Phal Dessai said the proposed Kunbi village proposed at Uguem in his home constituency Sanguem, will give a boost to hinterland tourism and create employment opportunities, farmers from the hinterland areas of the State need to be provided a market facility in the city to market their products. “This market can be made available for the farmers from the hinterland areas under the Tribal Welfare Department or any other department,” he said, after inaugurating the Matoli Bazar at the Lohia Maidan organised by the Atal Gram Development Agency.
The demand made by the Social Welfare Minister assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of that a similar demand for a market facility for the hinterland farmers in the commercial capital was made around two decades ago when the State was ruled by Chief Minister later Manohar Parrikar.
In the absence of proper marketing amenities in the city, farmers from the hinterland talukas market their vegetable, fruit and other products on the footpaths and pavements in the commercial capital.
Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Minister has said the proposed Kunbi village at Uguem, Sanguem will give a boost for the local artisans. “The rural bazaar at Uguem with facilities for a mini-theatre and conference hall will give a big boost for the local artisans,” he added.
He made a fervent plea to the people of Salcete to patronise the matoli items showcased for sale by the farmers of Netravali at the Lohia Maidan till Friday. “These farmers have procured the matoli items from the forest areas. They will get a boost if the people patronise their items for the ensuing Ganesh Chaturthi,” he added.
