MAPUSA
A spike in the prices of veggies, particularly tomatoes, reverberated in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, with the opposition demanding government intervention to alleviate the common man’s burden.
The treasury benches, however, appeared unconcerned.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai said people in Goa were concerned over the rising prices of tomatoes, chilly and other vegetables, especially during the season of Shravan, and urged the State government to supply at least 2 kilos of tomatoes to every Goan at subsidised rates.
He said the rate of tomato has gone up to Rs 140 per kg in the State while chilli was available at Rs 60 a kilo.
He further said that experts were of the opinion that the prices of tomatoes could shoot up to Rs 300 a kg.
According to the Fatorda MLA, the rise in tomato prices was due to the heat wave in Rajasthan and heavy rains in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, which are the top producers of tomatoes in the country.
He said the RBI has said that controlling food inflation would be a major challenge in future.
“Central government is planning to buy tomato and sell it at a subsidised rate in Delhi. The State government should also make an effort to supply at least 2 kg of tomato to every Goan,” Sardessai said.
Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik informed the House that the State Horticulture Corporation was buying veggies from other states and selling them at subsidised rates at various centres in Goa.
