Now, buy tender coconuts at horticulture outlets

NT NETWORK
MARGAO
Come August and the state’s agriculture department will supply tender coconuts to the 800-odd Goa state horticulture corporation’s outlets across the state. The tender coconuts will be sold at a subsidised rate of Rs 15 per nut.
Minister for Agriculture Ramesh Tawadkar Tuesday told this daily that the government has taken the related decision after taking a holistic view of the suggestion placed before him by some farmers and tender coconut eaters in the state.
“Some farmers approached and told me that the tender coconuts of Goa and those procured from the neighbouring states are sold at high prices in the state. They enquired with me whether these tender coconuts could be kept for sale at the department’s (Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited) outlets, which sell vegetables and fruits. I discussed this with the director (of agriculture department) Ulhas Pai Kakode and we decided to go ahead with the proposal,” Tawadkar said.
Tender coconuts are sold at rates ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 40 per nut in the state, which is a major tourist destination. While the tender coconuts are sold for Rs 30 in the vicinity of hospitals and along the national highways, they are sold for Rs 40 on beaches.
Stating that the government has decided to provide 50 tender coconuts to each government outlet, Tawadkar said that depending upon the public response, the quota will be gradually increased.
“We will initially procure the tender coconuts. However, at the same time, we will also provide tender coconut harvesters to the state landowners, who tend to pluck the nuts from their farmlands, as many people prefer Goan tender coconut due to its unique taste,” said Pai Kakode. He said the minister will also discuss the matter regarding procurement of the tender coconuts with managing director of the horticulture corporation.
Sources said that Goan tender coconut tastes the best and that it cannot be compared with the nuts procured from other states. People, especially patients look out for Goan tender coconuts, said sources adding that nearly 20,000 tender coconuts are sold in Goa at various places.