MARGAO
Fruit and vegetable cultivators from the hilly and hinterland areas of Quepem kept their date with the commercial capital as they finally descended on the city with fresh and juicy mesh melons and the much-sought-after local variety of vegetables.
These vegetables grown in the hilly areas of Quepem and Canacona are seasonal and have a good market as Goans prefer locally-cultivated fruits and vegetables.
The cultivators were seen on the footpath in front of the Margao police station, besides the traffic junctions and intersections.
Doubts were raised whether these farmers would make it to the commercial capital in the time of the pandemic across the state. Traditionally, these farmers descended on the commercial capital in the first week of September, but the intervening rains left some of their produce damaged.
Some of the women vendors pointed out that the continuous rains have left their cultivation damaged, pointing out that Covid coupled with the damage to their crops delayed their presence in the commercial capital.
In fact, mesh melons offered for sale are available for a price, with a medium-sized one selling at Rs 150. Sources in the know, however, said it will take some time for the prices of mesh melons to come down.
Incidentally, these Goan vendors, hailing from the hinterland areas, are yet to get a dedicated place in the commercial capital to sell
their produce, which is in high demand.
