PONDA: Common man feels the pinch as coconut Prices skyrocket due to reduced production. Coconut shortage since past one month led to a hike in prices greatly and while the hike in Coconut prices by Rs 10 to Rs 15 may not affect the rich and those earning attractive salaries in the government and private sector the aam admi or the labourers depend on daily wages are forced to make restricted use of coconut due to hike in prices since past one month. There is no option for coconut in the kitchen.
Farmers, vendors say govt helps them in crisis. The new tree plantation and maintenance work is essential. The Coconut pluckers charges are also not affordable due to the few fruits on trees.
The vendor woman at Agri Market Yard said the government should help farmers and consumers in this crisis. She said low production also hit her business. The growing prices hit consumers, farmers and vendors.
The Coconut vendors in Ponda Agri Market said not only in Goa but even from other states the import has reduced in the past month. The delayed rain might hit the coconut production.
The government is providing various schemes for farmers, besides training programmes to control disease. He said low production due to prolonged rain, besides disease factors and nuisance by animals also one reason for low production.Omkar Desai Zonal Agriculture Officer
The budget of housewives in aam admi or the common man family has collapsed as they are forced to huge extra amounts due to sudden hikes by Rs 10 to 15 per coconut forcing them to make limited use of coconut in preparing various food items.