In Goa toddy-tapping was once a trade that employed hundreds of families. It is understood that today there are just a few toddy-tappers in the state. Toddy-tapping is considered as one of the oldest occupations in Goa, as old as fishing and farming. It appears that the younger generations have distanced themselves from the craft of toddy-tapping by seeking white-collar jobs or migrating to a foreign country. This heritage needs to be kept alive for future generations. In this regard it is understood that the directorate of agriculture has decided to train youth in advanced harvesting of Niro. The training programme is called “Niro harvesting training programme for production of coconut Niro” wherein a batch of 20 youth will undergo training in Kerala. Training will be imparted on climbing of the coconut tree, scientific knowledge of coconut inflorescence, toddy-tapping, pest and disease management, collection and storage and handling of toddy, etc. New technology needs to be introduced so that the trade attracts more of the Goan youth. The youth need to take advantage of this training programme and introduce the new technology of collecting toddy in the state.
