Goa government starts subsidised sale of coconuts

In face of criticism over rising prices of coconuts, an essential ingredient in local cuisine, the Goa government on Thursday launched a subsidised coconut scheme, which will allow Goans to avail of coconuts at rates much cheaper than the existing market price.

"The scheme is currently at horticulture corporation and Bagayatdar (a co-operative society) outlets. It will be operational all over Goa soon," Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai told reporters here.

Coconuts, which are currently sold in the market-place in the range of Rs 40-45 a piece, will be available at three price slabs of Rs 15, Rs 18 and Rs 20, depending on the size. Buyers will be allowed a fixed number of coconuts per month and are required to produce their respective LPG gas books at the time of purchasing the subsidized coconuts.

Coconut prices have doubled in the coastal state, which is synonymous with coconut-based fish curry and rice, and the inflation had led to political wrangling between the Opposition the Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party0led coalition alliance, with the former accusing the latter of not doing much to control the rising prices.

--IANS

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