TEAM HERALD

bureau@herald-goa.com

PONDA: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday contemplated to formulate a scheme aimed at modernization of the traditional bakery to encourage young generation to carry forward the legacy.

Parrikar was speaking after launching the Goa Traditional Bakers (Poder) Subsidy Scheme at a function at Ponda.

“The Goa Traditional Bakers (Poder) Subsidy scheme is only for the traditional bakers. Nowadays, there has been duplication of Goan traditional bread made by the new entrants in this business. Apart from the preserving the quality of the bread, there is also a need to protect this business,” said Parrikar.

“I think the young generation today is reluctant to continue the business (poder) of the family. Once the Goa Traditional Bakers (Poder) Subsidy Scheme is on the track, we can think of another scheme for modernization of the traditional bakery,” added Parrikar.

“You (traditional bakers) must also convince your children to continue the business. The younger generation doesn’t like the word ‘poder’ so you can call it bakers,” he said.

Ponda MLA and GHRSSIDC Chairman Lavoo Mamledar informed that there are three categories made depending on the amount of raw material (maida) used by the traditional bakers.

“The government will provide a cash subsidy of Rs 4 per kg for the purchase of the first 50 kg of maida and Rs 2 for the purchase of up to 100 kg of maida. For above 100 kg purchase, the government will pay Rs 1 per kg,” informed Mamledar.

Industries Minister Mahadev Naik, GHRSSIDC MD Levinson Martins and All Goa Association of Bakers President Agapito Menezes were present on the occasion.