It’s a ‘risky’ business for south farmers along NH66

Team Herald 

CANACONA:  Their produce may be plenty on account of the bountiful rainfall in the state, but lack of space has forced the farmers from the villages down South to erect temporary structures along the narrow NH66 to sell the seasonal fruits and vegetables thereby risking their lives.

They claim that towns such as Margao including the city fathers have objected to them selling their produce in the commercial capital. Left with no space in the town, they have been forced to sell their produce along the NH66 stretch from Balli to Gulem. There are at least 20 such places along the stretch where several poor farmers are seen selling seasonal vegetables and fruits.

In recent years, the number farmers selling local produce has doubled as they allege that they have been driven away if they sell their perishable produce by the streets in Margao.

An elderly lady Salu Gaonkar, who sells her produce on NH66 at Barcem said, “We would go to Margao to sell their produce. But since last year the municipality workers approached us and threatened us that if we continued selling our produce they would take away our goods".

"We are poor people without any voice and support. Non-Goans are allowed to sell their produce but we are threatened in our state," lamented Gaonkar. 

Kust Gaonkar, a Gokuldem resident said, “The Agriculture Department through its zonal offices offers sizeable amount in subsidy. Taking advantage of the schemes, the tribals of Quepem and Canacona taluka are growing vegetables and fruits during monsoon on the slopes on a commercial scale. The highway authorities should make proper provisions such as mark vending zones with proper parking space so that the poor farmers can carry out their business without any hassles".

Anil Bhagat said, “In the absence of proper marketing facilities, the poor farmers risk their lives. He recalls an incident last year when a tanker fell on its side at a sharp turn at Karmal Ghat exactly where the women used to sit to sell their produce. Fortunately, the incident occurred at night otherwise it would have been a major tragedy.”

Diogo da Silva, a social activist and president of Canacona Businessmen’s Association suggested that the road be widened at places where the farmers sell their goods to ensure that safety of vendors and customers.