Team Herald
MARGAO: With Christmas preparations in full swing, Goans are grappling with a coconut shortage and steep price hikes, putting strain on households, vendors, and traditional sweet makers who rely on this essential festive ingredient.
In local markets across the State, the cost of coconuts has surged dramatically over the last two months. Small coconuts that were available for Rs 10 are now selling for Rs 20, while medium-sized coconuts, once priced at Rs 20, cost double at Rs 40. Large coconuts have seen a similar increase, jumping from Rs 30 to Rs 50 or more.
Despite the steep hike, supply remains insufficient to meet the festive demand. Vendors have reported limited availability of coconuts in Goa, forcing them to rely heavily on stock sourced from neighbouring Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala, as well.
“We have no choice but to get coconuts from other States. Demand always rises during Christmas, but this year, it is far greater than the available stock,” explained a vendor at Margao Market. He added that another significant factor in the price rise is the shortage of coconut pluckers, who now charge higher fees for their services. “Without enough people to climb and pluck coconuts locally, farmers struggle to meet the demand.”
The trend of harvesting tender coconuts for their water has worsened the situation. With increasing demand from tourists, farmers prefer selling tender coconuts, which fetch higher prices, often Rs 40-50 per nut, compared to the mature ones used in cooking. “The popularity of tender coconuts has led to a supply crunch for mature coconuts,” said the vendor.
This has deeply affected local sweet makers and small businesses that rely on coconuts to prepare Christmas treats like neureos, bebinca, dodol, and bath cakes.
Melba Fernandes, who runs a sweet stall at Gandhi Market, said the spike in coconut prices has forced her to increase the cost of her products. “Coconut-based sweets are very popular during Christmas, but with the price of coconuts doubling, we have no choice but to pass on the cost to customers. It’s unfair, but we are left with no alternative.”
Households, too, are feeling the pinch, as the price hike threatens to affect their festive treats. Many Goan families have already begun scaling back on traditional sweets. “We need coconuts for everything during Christmas, from sweets to curries. With prices like these, we will either have to cut down or stop making some dishes,” shared a disappointed homemaker.
Adding to the frustration is the size and quality of available coconuts. Vendors report that a majority of the stock being brought into Goa consists of smaller coconuts, while the larger, juicier ones, preferred for cooking and sweet-making, remain scarce.