Team Herald
MARGAO: Ahead of the International Bakers Day on October 2, the All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association has warned the government that the traditional bakers and bread are becoming extinct and has appealed for help in keeping the traditional occupation alive.
Speaking to media persons, President Peter Fernandes complained that migrants have taken over the profession and are adopting wrong practices in preparing bread due to which the traditional Goan bread is not found at many places.
“It would help tremendously if the government would subsidise or make toddy available for fermenting the dough instead of yeast so that the traditional Goan bread can be revived,” he said adding that the government should also give space for selling traditional breads at the various government premises in the State.
Agreeing that the younger generation runs away from this traditional occupation because the returns are not lucrative enough, he said allotting space at government premises would probably entice the younger generation to venture into this occupation.
He also demanded that bakers be given priority in purchasing the wood collected whenever road side trees are pruned or cut and also during the auction conducted by the Forest Department so that bakers get firewood at a reasonable rate.
He also demanded that bread given to school children as part of mid-day meal be supplied directly by bakers as otherwise the parties providing the meal ask bakers to prepare cheaper bread, meaning smaller bread, but charge the government the full rate of bread.
Peter revealed that the association is working towards starting a centre in every city of Goa to sell traditional Goan bread fermented with toddy and not yeast.
To celebrate the International Bakers Day, the association has organized a mass at Holy Spirit Church at 10 am while earlier at 9.45 am the tools and vehicles used by bakers will be blessed.
