Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 22: Coconut prices have risen to as much as Rs 70 apiece in Goa's open markets, prompting the Agriculture Department and Goa State Horticulture Corporation Ltd (GSHCL) to closely monitor supplies ahead of the festive season.

The Agriculture Department, however, said there is no shortage of coconuts at present and indicated that the administration is prepared to intervene if supplies tighten or prices rise excessively.

Agriculture Director Chandrahas Desai attributed the current price rise largely to increased festive demand, while noting that harvesting is still underway.

“Last year, there was a shortage of coconuts because it rained continuously from May till Ganesh Chaturthi, making harvesting difficult. This year, there has been sufficient time for harvesting, which is still underway,” Desai told The Goan.

He said the administration would step in if there was a shortage or prices increased sharply, as it did last year through a no-profit, no-loss sale.

“If prices shoot up or there is a shortage, we will replicate last year’s no-profit, no-loss sale. Coconuts will be brought in from Karnataka and sold through our Horticulture Corporation outlets. We are closely monitoring the situation,” Desai said.

The GSHCL is currently selling coconuts at Rs 40 apiece, providing some relief to consumers compared to open-market prices. Earlier this week, small coconuts were selling for around Rs 40, medium-sized ones for Rs 50 and large coconuts for Rs 60 to Rs 70 in open markets.

The price rise has coincided with the beginning of Shravan, when demand for coconuts traditionally increases. Nag Panchami, which concluded recently, also contributed to the rise in demand.

With Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi approaching, traders have indicated that coconut prices could increase further.

Meanwhile, prices of most other vegetables remained largely steady in the Panaji market.

Valpapdi, or flat beans, was priced at around Rs 80 to Rs 120 per kg, while cauliflower was available at Rs 50 and cabbage at Rs 40 per kg. Green chillies and capsicum were priced at around Rs 100 per kg.

Potatoes and onions were selling for about Rs 50 per kg, while tomatoes were priced between Rs 40 and Rs 50 per kg.

Peas remained among the costlier vegetables, selling at Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg. Ridge gourd was priced at Rs 100, okra at Rs 80, ginger at Rs 240 and garlic at Rs 250 to Rs 400 per kg.

Monsoon produce has also started appearing in the markets, although vendors said quantities were lower than during the corresponding period last year.

Mash melon was selling for around Rs 200 to Rs 300 apiece, depending on size, while breadfruit was priced between Rs 150 and Rs 300.

Six to seven large okra pods were available for Rs 100, while four country cucumbers were being sold for Rs 100.

Vendors said the overall availability of monsoon vegetables this year was lower compared with the corresponding period last year.