AN INITIATIVE THAT
BENEFITED MANY
* Launched to curb price of coconuts in February 2018 which had doubled with each nut being sold for around Rs 40-50
* The Goa State Horticulture Corporation was implementing the scheme through its existing vegetable outlets on a no profit, no loss basis
* Coconuts were sourced directly from the farm and made available at affordable rates which were about 10 pc lower than the market prices
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PANAJI: Subsidised sale of coconuts through the Goa State Horticultural Limited outlets in the state have been abruptly halted for now.
The Goa government had launched the initiative under its existing scheme of Government Intervention to Control Price Rise, in February 2018 amidst rising prices to cushion the burden on Goans for who the coconut is an essential ingredient in their cuisine. The coconut prices had doubled then and each coconut was being sold for around Rs 40-50.
The step was initiated by Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardessai in the face of severe criticism over the sudden rise in prices of coconuts at that time.
The Opposition Congress party had also held a symbolic protest by selling coconuts in the market through its women's wing.
The Goa State Horticulture Corporation was implementing the scheme through its existing vegetable outlets on a no profit, no loss basis. Coconuts were sourced directly from the farm and made available to the people at affordable rates which were about 10 per-cent lower than the market prices.
People, particularly the middle and lower-income groups were benefiting from the scheme and the response to it was good.
Sardessai had claimed that the initiative was a measure to protect Goa's staple food and in the interest of all Goenkars.
