The recent economic blockade (or more correctly, the blackmail) by states supplying vegetables, milk and other essentials to Goa only underscores the fact that Goa absolutely has to be as self-sufficient as possible.
It is no secret that middlemen from other states have invaded and taken control of our Goan markets. Even the prices are dictated by these people. They force vendors to stock fruit and vegetables from outside Goa at the expense of our own local produce. As a result, our own unique Goan varieties are slowly being pushed out and may eventually become extinct. When was the last time anyone bought and tasted a real `ghaunti` papaya, the type we used to enjoy earlier? Berries like chunam, kandam, local boram and jamuns are slowly dwindling. Neighbouring states take pride in their vegetables and fruit. An example is the encouragement given to the cultivation of Ratnagiri Afonso mangoes which are supplied all over India (even to Goa) and are now famous all over the world. Yet in complete contrast, in the land of mancurado mangoes, we hear from an expert like Dr. Ajit Shirodkar that there is not even a single orchard of mancurado mangoes in Goa! With declining produce of our own mancurado mangoes, how many Goans can afford to pay Rs. 800 - 1000/- for a dozen mangoes? Rather than encouraging polluting industries that destroy our very land to come and set up here, can we not encourage agriculture, spice farms and cultivation of our own local vegetables and fruits? The ICAR can be roped in to help in keeping alive and improving local varieties. A school in Velsao has set the ball rolling by giving children the opportunity to cultivate vegetables as part of their extra-curricular activities, which they do with much enthusiasm. Initiatives like this must be encouraged. I hope that this monsoon season our Government and in particular, the Minister for Forests and Environment, Alina Saldanha, will ensure planting of at least 5 thousand fruit bearing trees, distributing vegetable seeds and encouraging planting all over Goa. Similarly, I hope that the Forest Department who has been doing yeoman service at their Campal office by supplying plants and saplings at very reasonable rates, will supply fruit-bearing grafts, saplings and vegetable seeds of local varieties this monsoon season to encourage cultivation. DM
