SME Times News Bureau | 27 Jan, 2018
Coconuts, an essential ingredient in Goan cooking, will be sold at
a subsidised price to LPG card holders in Goa, Agriculture Minister
Vijay Sardesai said on Friday.
This would be done in order
to beat the rising prices of the nut in the open market, Sardesai
said.
"Coconuts have become expensive. Goans need
coconuts. One family needs one coconut per day. The Goa government
has decided that one quality coconut will be sold to every family for
Rs 20," Sardesai said.
He was speaking at a Republic
Day function in Margao town in South Goa district, 35 km from
Panaji.
Prices of coconut have increased by at least 50
per cent over the last few weeks, with an average-sized coconut
selling for about Rs 40-45.
"I have spoken to Chief
Minister (Manohar Parrikar). The coconuts will be allotted using the
LPG card and distributed from horticulture (Goa Horticulture
Department) carts," Sardesai said.
"We will
provide 30 coconuts per family per month at Rs 20. The government
will intervene to ensure that the price of coconuts is controlled,"
the Minister added.