Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 27: Local vegetable production in Goa has witnessed a remarkable surge, with certain varieties such as cucumber, okra, cluster beans, and cabbage now being exported to other states, including Belagavi. This growth is attributed to the success of the Goa Horticulture Corporation's "assured market scheme," which has played a key role in encouraging farmers to expand their vegetable farming operations.

Chandrahas Desai, General Manager of Goa State Horticulture Development Corporation (GSHDC), highlighted that the scheme provides farmers with both guaranteed market access and fixed prices for their produce. As a result, key vegetables like cucumber, okra, bottle gourd (konkan dudhi), eggplant, green chillies, and cabbage are increasingly being produced within the state, moving towards self-sufficiency.

This shift has led to a reduction of over 30% in the import of these vegetables from Belagavi. The Corporation now procures most of these vegetables directly from local farmers, distributing them to outlets across Goa. Some excess produce is also sent to the open market or sold to private traders, with surplus being exported to Belagavi, Desai added.

Since the introduction of the scheme in 2019-20, the number of farmers participating has grown significantly, rising by 167, from 1,081 in 2019 to 1,248 in 2024-25. In terms of production, the quantity of vegetables harvested by these farmers has also increased by 658 metric tonnes, from 1,509 metric tonnes in 2023-24 to 1,624 metric tonnes in 2024-25.

Desai further noted that the rates at which the Corporation buys produce from farmers are adjusted according to market conditions. If market prices rise above the Corporation's purchase rate, the prices paid to farmers are increased accordingly, ensuring that they remain competitive and fair.