the goan I network
MARGAO
The government has disclosed plans to import coconuts from neighbouring Sri Lanka to stabilise the sky-rocketing prices after monitoring the situation for a week as the decision of the Agriculture department to sell subsidised coconuts in its depot has not helped to bring down the prices.
That's not all. Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai has mooted supply of subsidised hybrid coconut saplings, which has a proven track record of high yield, to boost coconut production in the State.
Sardesai told the media on Tuesday that one of the measures contemplated to immediately bring down the rising prices of coconuts is to import the same from Sri Lanka. "I had discussed the matter with the Agriculture Director a day ago, and it was felt that it's feasible to import coconuts from Sri Lanka."
"We had tried to provide subsidised coconut produce in our farms, but has not helped to bring down the prices and meet the demand. We now feel that the department will have to go for the import of coconut to make it available across the length and breadth of the State," he said.
Another measure contemplated by the Agriculture Minister is to increase the support price for coconut and directly buy the produce from the bhatkars without
the middlemen.
"After the second harvest of December, we though the prices would stabilise, but the rates shot up again during the intervening Christmas festivities," he said.
The Agriculture Minister said the problem is further compounded by the fact that South Kanara and Rayalseem are facing drought, affecting the coconut prices. "We will monitor the situation for a week before taking a call to directly import the coconuts from Sri Lanka or directly buy the produce from the big time producers," he added.
The Agriculture Minister has favoured government subsidy for the hybrid variety of coconut to boost
coconut production.
In addition, he said the government is not opposed to introduce cosmic farming in the State on the lines of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states to boost coconut production as well as to
check vermins.
Vijai should supply free coconuts to Goans, says Parab
PANAJI: Hanumant Parab from Govansh Raksha Abhiyan has said that Town and Country Planning (TCP) and Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai should supply free coconuts to Goans.
Parab said, "Rather than taking sides with meat traders, Sardesai should supply free coconuts to Goans. One coconut costs Rs 40 today. In fact, Goa Forward Party even has coconut as its party symbol."
Sardesai had been vocal in saying that harassment of beef traders must stop in Goa. He had even urged Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, to intervene in the matter so that beef traders don't have to face any harassment.
