Daijiworld Media Network – Mapusa

Mapusa, May 4: The Mapusa sub-yard in North Goa stirred controversy after a surprise raid by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) led to the seizure and destruction of mangoes worth Rs 5 lac and 20 kg of bananas. Officials found ethanol sachets used for artificial ripening, a method considered hazardous if misused.

Former sub-yard committee chairman Amey Natekar defended the traders, stating many rely on traditional methods and lack awareness of modern ripening techniques. “Most of them are small traders from humble backgrounds. They need guidance, not punishment,” he said.

He urged the FDA to conduct workshops and clarify whether ethanol use is allowed and in what quantity. Natekar stressed that while ensuring public health is essential, sudden action without warning harms livelihoods. “The yard has run for over four decades with the same practices. Traders are willing to comply if properly guided,” he said.

Traders currently use the traditional bhatti system for ripening, which lacks consistency. Modern ripening chambers, which are safer and more efficient, are not yet available in Mapusa.

Natekar confirmed that a formal request has been made to the FDA for collaborative efforts to improve safety without disrupting the local fruit trade that supplies parts of Goa and Maharashtra.