the goan I network
PANAJI
Presently, the GSHCL procures several types of vegetables from local farmers, the highest being chilly followed by lady finger. Others include cluster beans, bottle gourd, brinjal, red pumpkin, cucumber, ginger, rich gourd and green coriander.
GSHCL had started procuring vegetables from local farmers in 2011-12 when 14 tonnes of vegetables were procured by spending Rs 12 lakh.
With the increase in the procurement, GSHCL’s spending on the same has increased from Rs 12 lakh in 2012-13 to Rs 5.61 crore in 2016-17.
In 2012-13, GHSCL procured 45 tonnes of vegetables from 123 farmers, with a total spending of Rs 12 lakh. The quantity of procurement increased to 532 tonnes with the number of farmers also increasing to 1261. However, 2016-17 witnessed an increase in the quantity of vegetables procured with 718 tonnes, but the number of farmers decreased to 1004.
Speaking to The Goan Everyday, an official of GSHCL informed, “The increase in the procurement of vegetables from local farmers clearly shows that the production has increased. But one of the reasons for decreased number of
\farmers may be because some of them supply it under the banner of farmers’ clubs. There may be many farmers affiliated to the club, but it is looked at as one supplier.”
Additionally, GSHCL also procures fruits from local farmers which include watermelon, papaya, banana, chickoo and pineapple. All vegetables procured from local farmers are sold at the 940 horticulture outlets across the State including the three run by GSHCL.
