Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government has clarified that there is no evidence to suggest a decline in jackfruit production in the state, stating that farmers prefer selling the fruit directly in the open market rather than through government procurement schemes.
The clarification was provided by Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Pramod Sawant in response to an unstarred Legislative Assembly Question tabled by Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao regarding the promotion of local produce in Goa.
According to the government, jackfruit is traditionally sold on a per-piece basis in local markets, where prices depend on size, quality, demand and location. Farmers often secure better returns through direct sales, especially during periods of high demand. As government procurement schemes offer a uniform rate per kilogram to maintain price stability and consumer affordability, many farmers choose open market sales where they can obtain higher prices.
The government also stated that pineapple production in Goa has not declined and provided details of cultivation areas in an annexure submitted with the reply.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Agriculture clarified that its primary role is implementing agricultural schemes, providing extension services and promoting modern farming technologies. It also noted that the department does not maintain detailed records of government or private land used for cultivation, nor a registry of unutilised agricultural land.
To support farmers in marketing their produce, Zonal Agriculture Offices conduct publicity at the taluka level regarding procurement centres set up by the Goa State Horticultural Corporation for vegetables and fruits.
The government further informed that details of local purchases of fruits and vegetables over the past five years have been provided in an annexure to the Assembly reply.
