Horticulture Corp asked to buy local vegetables
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 2
From now on, the Goa State Horticulture Corporation Ltd, (GSHCL) will have to procure locally grown vegetables as well. The Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Jose Philip D’Souza said local vegetables will be provided to consumers as Opposition declined to accept that local vegetables are not produced in sufficient quantities for commercial purpose.
The minister in his reply to the question tabled by Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar told the House during “ Question Hour” on Monday, no vegetables are procured from local farmers and the entire stock is procured from markets outside Goa as vegetable are not sufficient for commercial purpose.
Vegetables such as carrot, cluster beans, French beans, bhendi, cabbage, cauliflower, green chillies, onion, potato and tomato are procured by GSHCL.
However, raising his voice Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar said all kinds of locally grown vegetables are available in the market. “It is not for commercial purpose?” he retorted.
Vegetables are procured from Belgaum by “fixing” prices, he alleged. Mandrem MLA, Laxmikant Parsekar supported his leader saying first preference has to be given to local vegetables.
In order to pacify the Opposition Leader, the Civil Supplies minister said as promised in the House last week the government would constitute a committee and would like the Opposition leader to share some responsibility. However, Parrikar turned down the offer saying, “I’m not willing to share your sins.”
