PANAJI
With coconut prices rising to as much as Rs 70 apiece in open markets, the Agriculture Department and Goa State Horticulture Corporation Ltd are keeping a close watch on supplies ahead of the festive season and are prepared to step in if prices rise further.
The department, however, does not see any shortage at present.
Agriculture Director Chandrahas Desai attributed the current price rise largely to increased festive demand, while also mentioning harvesting is underway.
“Last year, there was a shortage of coconuts because it rained continuously from May till Ganesh Chaturthi, making harvesting difficult. This year, there has been sufficient time for harvesting, which is still underway,” Desai told The Goan.
He said the administration would step in if supplies tightened or prices rose excessively, as it did last year through a no-profit, no-loss sale.
“If prices shoot up or there is a shortage, we will replicate last year’s no-profit, no-loss sale. Coconuts will be brought in from Karnataka and sold through our Horticulture Corporation outlets. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added.
The GSHCL is currently selling coconuts at Rs 40 apiece, offering some relief from open-market rates. Earlier this week, small coconuts were selling for around Rs 40, medium-sized ones for Rs 50 and large coconuts for Rs 60 to Rs 70 in open markets.
The spike has come at the start of Shravan, when demand for coconuts traditionally rises. Nag Panchami, which just concluded, further pushed up prices. With Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi approaching, traders have indicated that prices could rise further.
Meanwhile, prices of most other vegetables remained largely steady in Panaji market. Valpapdi (flat beans) was priced at around Rs 80 to Rs 120 per kg, cauliflower at Rs 50, cabbage at Rs 40, and green chillies and capsicum at Rs 100 per kg. Potatoes and onions were about Rs 50 per kg, while tomatoes were Rs 40 to Rs 50.
Peas remained among the costlier vegetables at Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg. Ridge gourd was Rs 100, okra Rs 80, ginger Rs 240 and garlic Rs 250 to Rs 400 per kg.
Monsoon produce has also begun appearing, though in smaller quantities than last year. Mash melon was selling for about Rs 200 to Rs 300 apiece, depending on size, while breadfruit was priced at Rs 150 to Rs 300. Six to seven large okra pods were available for Rs 100, while four country cucumbers cost Rs 100.
Vendors said the overall availability of monsoon vegetables this year was lower compared with the corresponding period last year.
