29 May 2023  |   05:57am IST

Suresh Sawant defies the trend of Goa’s vanishing toddy tappers

Suresh Sawant defies the trend of Goa’s vanishing toddy tappers

SWAPNESH CHARI

PONDA: Goa and coconut trees are inseparable, with the latter deeply rooted in the State’s cuisine and culture. Yet, the once-common sight of toddy tappers and coconut pluckers has become increasingly scarce. Traditional Goan occupations are fading as locals shy away from embracing them as viable livelihoods, leaving migrant workers to fill the void.

Finding local toddy tappers has become a challenging task, compelling orchard owners to rely on migrant workers, who engage 

in coconut plucking as a secondary source of income. This shift not only impacts the preservation of a time-honoured tradition but also affects the farmers’ profitability due to declining coconut prices.

Amidst this vanishing vocation, Suresh Sawant, a resident of Paathval, Khotoda, stands as a rare Goan upholding the legacy of coconut plucking. With twelve years of experience, Sawant continues to climb around 40 coconut trees each day, utilising modern climbing machines that have revolutionised the process. He has become a trusted figure in neighbouring villages, ensuring the tradition lives on.

Hemant Samant, a renowned farmer, orchard owner, and trader, laments the difficulty of securing local toddy tappers or coconut pluckers.

 The shift towards migrant laborers, who often have other professions, poses challenges for those who depend on coconut plucking for their livelihood. Samant highlights the disparity in pricing, with migrant workers charging between 40 to 50 rupees per tree, while local pluckers ask for 50 to 60 rupees, along with coconuts to take home.

Sawant underscores the struggle his ilk faces, citing the lack of sufficient government support. The prevalence of 

migrant workers offering lower rates

 for coconut plucking sidelines full-

time toddy tappers, placing their livelihoods at risk.

The state's identity is deeply 

intertwined with the coconut tree, and the survival of these occupations 

is crucial to preserve Goa's rich cultural heritage.


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar