MARGAO
It’s that time of the year when the much-sought after juicy mash melons and variety of vegetables from the state’s hinterland talukas hit the city markets.
The footpath located right opposite Margao police station is bustling with activity with vendors from the hinterland talukas of Quepem and Canacona showcasing the fruits and vegetables for sale.
Customers were seen making a beeline to the footpath to lay their hands on the mash melons, besides vegetables and coconuts. With the mash melons season just in the early days, many a customer, however, complained that price of mash melons is on a higher side and it would take some time before the price comes down after the produce hit the market.
Incidentally, these vendors from the hinterland talukas have been demanding a dedicated place to showcase their produce in the commercial capital.
“Our long pending demand for a dedicated market to sell the locally grown produce in the hinterland talukas has not been fulfilled till date. Left with no option, we sell our produce from the footpath opposite the police station”, remarked a lady vendor.
Another farmer added that they sometimes face action by the Margao Municipal authorities as they try to remove the vendors from the footpath.
“We have nowhere to go with our produce. We hope the Municipality and other authorities understand our predicament and allow us to sell our produce in the city” , she added.
