BICHOLIM: Welcoming the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Khaje, the All Goa Khaje Producers’ Association (AGKPA) on Sunday demanded that the State government provide the association a special stall at the tourism fairs held across the country. The association members submitted a memorandum to Speaker Rajesh Patnekar putting forth several demands including financial aid for their losses.
“We always had the dream that Goan khaje should reach the entire world. Our efforts and the efforts from Goa State Science Council have now made this possible,” association president Rajaram Chanekar said.
“Since March there has been a “near” lockdown like situation and we have missed all the zatras in the State, which is major source of income for us,” Chanekar said adding “We demand that the government support us financially.”
According to the association, there was a scheme for “khajekars”, but it did not work. They have now demanded that even that scheme be implemented properly. “We have also demanded that the government make Khaje available everywhere including tourism stalls,” Chodankar informed.
The association has called upon the traditional khajekars to join them to seek the benefit of the GI tag. “Only those who are in this business for generations will only get the GI certificate and they can join us. If anyone else wants to join they will have to apply in writing and then we will decide upon it,” he added.
