the goan I network
MARGAO
The government may be looking at the Hybrid coconut trees to boost coconut production in the state. For the rapidly dwindling Goan toddy tappers community, the hybrid may help revive the traditional occupation, which once held sway along the state’s coastal belt, right from Canacona to Pernem.
The toddy tappers, whose number across the state has now been reduced to just a few hundreds, said the hybrid coconut trees may indeed offer hope for the traditional occupation. In fact, newly-elected President of Goa Toddy Tappers Association President, Antonio Francis Remy Borges, hailing from the coastal village of Agonda, said the Association will take the initiative to popularize the benefits of the coconut hybrid amongst the community with the help and assistance of the Horticulture Corporation and the Agriculture department.
“Toddy tapping is no longer attractive to the Goan youth. No one wants to climb the coconut trees to tap toddy. From the thousands of toddy tappers the state once played host, there may be less than a thousand toddy tappers today eking a living on the traditional occupation,” Remy said.
He pointed out that the hybrid coconut tree can indeed offer hope for the revival of the occupation. “People can grow the hybrid variety of coconut trees in their gardens and farms. Given the small size of the hybrid trees, it would be easier for anyone to pluck the coconut. In the same way, a special designed scissor can replace the traditional kati (toddy tapping weapon) and which can be used by anyone. The toddy tapped can be used to produce vinegar, or simply sell the toddy to outlets engaged in producing coconut feni,” he added.
Replying to a question, Remy said the Association will take the initiative further by holding discussions with both the Horticulture Corporation and the agriculture department. “The newly elected committee will see to it that this initiative fructifies during the five-year term and help change the ground reality,” he added.
Besides Remy, other officer-bearers are general secretary Mario Coutinho, treasurer Shashikant Pednekar, vice-president Karidad Fernandes, Joint Secretary Donato Vaz and Joint Treasurer Diego Martins.
