the goan I network
MARGAO
Transform Goa’s second annual All Goa Mankurad Mango Festival, here, on Sunday, evoked huge response with the organisers making a fervent plea to every Goemkar to promote Mankurad for the family and take the mango to the world.
While Transform Goa convenor, John D’Sa, has called for taking Mankurad to the world, Chairman of Margao Ravindra Bhavan Prashant Naik said the Mankurad mango festival should become a calendar event in the state.
Around 20 vendors offered Mankurad for sale, even as four other vendors sold saplings of the mango to prospective buyers. Value-added products of mango, including pickles and jams, were offered for sale.
“I am extremely delighted over the response generated by the festival. Around 1000 people came for the festival, with many participating, while others came to buy the prized Mankurad mango,” John said.
He pointed out that if each and every Goan plants saplings of Mankurad mango in their backyard, there will be sufficient quantity of Mankurad available for the families for consumption and to sell the same in the market. “We received inquiries from many people whether the festival will be held in North Goa too. This year, we are restricting the one-day festival to Margao. Next year, we can think of holding the festival in North Goa as well,” John, who lives in Doha-Qatar, told The Goan.
While complimenting John and his Transform Goa team, Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Prashant Naik offered all support to Transform Goa to take Goan Mankurad to the international market.
“Mankurad mangoes do not come to Doha-Qatar. John takes the mango to his family and friends every year,” Prashant said, while saying that the Mankurad festival should become an annual festival.
The first prize was won by Raul Costa (Curtorim), while Liria Mendonca, also from Curtorim bagged the second prize. Agnelo Caido, Zuari-Goa Velha bagged the third prize.
