PONDA: While tomato prices are still above Rs 100 at horticulture stalls (Saturday rate was Rs 101 per kg) due to the demand they are sold at Rs 120 to 140.
In view of this, locals have switched to tasty delicious locally grown monsoon vegetables which available in plenty and are preferred over tomatoes.
Goan monsoon vegetables grown up by local farmers or mallekars include toushi, gosali, lady finger, kudduki, tailbkolo etc are available in the Ponda market and are also available on the national highway and State roads in Ponda.
Locals, who were desperate for tomatoes, have almost reduced their consumption and switched to Goa grown tasty vegetables and buyers are making brisk business.
Since the rains were delayed this year, the farmers sowed the seeds and watered them with water supplied by water tankers in May. These vegetables are grown on the hill slopes of the taluka and by July, the produce gets ready and is sold in the market and by the roadside
Three gosali (ridge gourd) are sold for Rs 100 while six small size ones are sold for the same rate and six cucumbers are sold for Rs 100.
Bunches of tambdi baji and other monsoon vegetables are also available in the market in plenty.
Goa’s monsoon vegetables are tasty and healthy as well as a source of seasonal income to many women selling them. Sale of monsoon vegetables offers seasonal business to many Goan women involved in the vegetable trade.
