s the State once again debates on the Coconut issue, this time on the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) granting Coconut the status of State Tree; there is something that has disappointed the local authorities.
Goa government’s ambitious programme to promote coconut harvesting and coconut plucking has interestingly many takers but post-training many fail to take it up as their profession.
The department has been training youth – who show interest in coconut harvesting, coconut plucking and related matters — in a bid to take ahead government’s initiative in promoting and protecting the tree as well as boost its production.
However, Agriculture Director Ulhas Pai Kakode told Herald that less than 10 per cent of the total trained youth are actually serious about taking it up as their profession or trade eventually.
“We have trained nearly 500 youth so far including, 120, who are currently undergoing the comprehensive training. But they have to take up coconut harvesting as trade or employment. We have noticed that not even 10 per cent of those who complete their training venture into this thereafter,” he said.
Another senior department official rued that it is a waste of expertise and resources. “We are always there to impart training but if the skills are not utilized for the purpose, it is a waste of energy and resources,” said the official.
Similarly, coconut plucking fails to interest many forcing several owners of the coconut farms hire non-Goans. All this is despite the department imparting coconut climbing training with mechanical devise. “It is a safe practice. Our training also includes coconut plucking,” Kakode said adding, “Negligible number of locals are involved in plucking coconuts and as such labourers from other states are hired. We are making every effort to ensure that locals are professionally trained into this to reduce dependency on others.” The Goa Horticulture Corporation has nonetheless plunged into the business by hiring skilled pluckers. So, also women in certain villages who have availed the training are making the best use of it, the official said.
Similarly, barely any Goans are engaged in manual labour like planting, placing manure, fertilizer, etc. yet again prompting others to take over the line of work that further results into escalating costs.
To inculcate interest in harvesting and plucking, the department has begun creating awareness on hybrid varieties. “One need not climb the tree and pluck coconuts,” the director revealed. The department is imparting training through Farmers’ Training Centre, Agriculture Technology Management Agency and Krishi Vighyan Kendra along with the help of Coconut Development Board.
At the same time, the State government is offering 50 per cent subsidy on planting materials while the seedlings are available with the private nurseries, in another attempt to boost coconut production. Besides, assured support price of Rs 10 per nut is paid to farmers.
In view of several instances of diseases of coconuts, Kakode insisted on proper sanitation and maintenance of the area.
