PANJIM: With the normal business thrown out of gear due to the COVID pandemic and with many losing jobs, several households in Goa took up to homemade pickle and jam business to earn their living. There are several issues which have hit them due to the ever changing dynamics, apart from COVID.
Karan Manral, Partner in Green Essentials felt that If we want to create a successful and healthy ecosystem for local homemade food products in Goa, we have to begin by treating these entrepreneurs in different ways than we do right now.
“We need to make the process of applying very simple and just take the process online with a single form providing the basic details required. We need to help them understand the standards of process-hygiene etc required through online information and small workshops. Also, to have a process of provisional approval (for 1 year) based on inspection of the premises and practices, which need to allow a room within the home to be set up appropriately. A special program by FSSAI encouraging and helping farmers to become value added producers is also important,” said Karan Manral.
He went on to add that with the changing dynamics in pandemic the standards need to be rethought and made simpler, yet ensuring the safety standards of the product. The final approval or two year extension can follow after the first year so people who are finding some success can continue or scale up, similar to the ecosystem we are trying to create for IT and start-ups in Goa.
Mansi Govenkar a woman entrepreneur who has two stores in Panjim and Bicholim and sells products made by homemakers is of the opinion that several parameters made by FSSAI needs to be simplified as several women who really want certification cannot do it because of stringent norms. “Since they have no certification they cannot sell their products even though it may have prepared very hygienically. Simple changes in FSSAI norms can be done to help these people during pandemic keeping safety at priority,” said Mansi Govenkar.
Similarly, Bhawna Sood Kumar who is a child and a marriage counsellor who started the business of pickles, dips, chutney etc in Panjim as a hobby in 2018, believes that running any business at this time is very difficult. “It is like next to nothing. However, whatever I get from my business, I keep a small amount to keep the business running and the rest goes to charity. I had applied to FSSAI certification before I got into the business. Initially it was a bit difficult but then it settled down. However, after this pandemic it would be nice to relax some of the norms keeping safety standards at priority. The aim is to promote small business and keep the livelihood going at these difficult times. Some of the norms needs to have a re-look,” said Bhawna Sood Kumar.
Ruth Colaco a homemaker from Charao islands with a brand name “Versatile Mom” who makes varieties to pickles, chocolates, and other food products with regular tiffin service caters to those who know her.
“I am in the process of applying for an FSSAI certification. Actually I am staying with my brother and I need to get his NOC as advised by the Panchayat. I believe it is easy to get the certification once I get the NOC. I need redo my kitchen area due to the norms. During the pandemic I believe the stringent norms should be relaxed for the homemakers to make their life easy. It is dynamic and rules should also be dynamic. We discussed this in a whatsapp group on Womens’ Day that we keep our kitchen and surroundings clean as it is our home. We will never serve unhygienic food. Since I do not have the certification I cannot sell it in the open market,” said Ruth Colaco.
Maya Shirodkar from Mapusa who runs Maya Foods and has FSSAI certification from Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) department is into catering of homemade food items including pickles and ladoos. “Previously in a flat getting the FSSAI certification was difficult but due to COVID we have been given the permission but we do have to carry certification from municipality. The process is online and the ladies find it very difficult to operate on computers as they are experts in kitchen and not on desktops. But there are agents to help them out. I feel there should be no relaxation for the safety of the people and customers as with certification I can sell to any without fear,” said Maya Shirodkar.
Selma Viegas who is a teacher in food science and nutrition by profession and she is from Caranzalem, makes homemade goodies on orders given to her from known persons, friends and family. “I do not have FSSAI certification as I am not making enough and it is basically a part time. The business should be profitable and running for getting such formal certifications. I am not regular and it is as per requirement and my business volume is very small. Just because we have time and we are at home, I am helping out people and honing my skills too,” said Selma Viegas.
Raj Pai Panandiker who is a real estate developer and farming and is a proprietor of the Goan Farm from Margao and is into production of pepper, coconut oil etc believes that getting an FSSAI certification is not too difficult. “You have to apply online and you still have to submit the certified hard copies and that is the system. It is a bit of an inconvenience. However, the process is still simpler as I understand because I am also into real estate business. I feel that FDA is one of the good departments to work with,” said Raj Pai Panandiker.
