The Goan ‘pao’ is a common man's food. A little remembered fact is that, unlike other places, Goan bakers make 10 types of bread : ‘formache’, round, ‘katreache’, ‘unddo’, ‘kakonn’, mini sandwich bread, sliced bread, bun,toast and that unique, much in demand and nowhere to be found ‘polli’ or ‘poyi’.
The bakers do have a sustenance problem as the production cost has considerably increased. The labour in particular has gone up not only to make bread but to deliver it at the doorsteps of the consumers. The people would not mind paying the extra charge they demand for a good bread but that in itself will not provide a lasting solution to the many problems of bread making. The government has dragged its feet on this issue for long. It cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the problems of the Goan bakers as one of the oldest and traditional occupations in Goa is in peril.
On their part, the Goan bakers will have to assure the people that the weight of the bread and hygiene in making it will be maintained, not forgetting of course the taste for which Goan bread, particularly the poyi, has become world famous.
