That Goa is an agrarian state is a fact
well-established for as long as the state has existed. The granary of the south
or Shaxtticho Koddo is a
term long-associated with Curtorim; and along with other such monikers
like Agsheche touxe (Agassaim’s cucumbers)
and Moidechim kellim (Moira’s
bananas), these are terms that are steeped in folklore and history as much as
they are with agriculture. In keeping with these notions and the pride that is
associated with them, one young group of individuals decided to put together a
venture that manages to showcase all that the state has to offer on this front:
the Goan Farmers Market.
The first market was held on May 22,
2016, and there have been six endeavours in all since then. However, this was
the first one to be held at its new venue, Daddy’s Home, in Gogol. Almost all
the previous editions had been held at the Menezes residence on Rua do Abade
Faria, in Margao, with the very first edition having been held at the Oorja
Wellness Centre, near the Civil Court in Old Market, Margao. The endeavour was
spearheaded by the Viegas and Menezes family, with one sole focus: the
promotion of local Goan produce, and encouraging people to support the industry.
Ian Menezes, one the biggest driving
forces behind the endeavour, talks a little bit about the latest edition of the
popular event in the south, saying, “The latest edition, held as recently as
Sunday, September 3, 2017, had a total of 24 vendors, half of which were
farmers and farm related products, the rest selling homemade products and
handicrafts. The farmers range from across regions in South Goa, including
Nuvem, Margao, Navelim, Sarzora and Sanguem.”
Explaining exactly how they manage to
sustain the model, Ian adds, “The vendors contribute a percentage of their
sales, which helps cover the costs of hosting the market. Since we have now
moved to Daddy’s Home, part of the proceeds will go to Daddy’s Home. Daddy’s Home,
besides having a home for special children, is also building a home for the
aged. All donations towards these causes are most welcome.”
And somehow, while there is often a
notion that one cannot buy organically-grown produce for less than its
chemically enhanced counterpart, the Goan Farmers Market manages to dispel that
myth with ease. For instance, the Laban D’Sousa farm which has, in previous
editions, been a hit with things like graviola (sour sop) and pomelo, turned
out to be a stumper this time around, selling fabulous quality passion fruit at
throwaway prices.
But beyond the fruit and vegetables,
there’s more to be found here. Handicrafts have their own place on the shelf,
as do plants at large, and of course, the usual stalls serving great food and
drink. If you arrive early enough, you may even be fortunate enough to get your
hands on some magnificent baked goods, of the recipes of old, hand-crafted by
Margao’s legendary octogenarian, Leopoldina Figueiredo.
The people behind the Goan Farmers
Market are raring to go with another couple of editions before 2017 comes to an
end, in keeping with their aim to make the market a bi-monthly affair. With all
the state has to offer, if not in terms of fresh produce, then fabulous food at
the very least, there’s always something for everyone. Perhaps it’s time for a
countdown clock until the next edition comes around.
