Goemkarponn desk
CANACONA – While monsoon though 5 days late, has taken over the State, a continuation of heavy rains lashing Canacona from Friday could impact the famed and patented ‘Khola Mirchi’production.
Canacona recorded 60 mm of rainfall on Friday and 38 mm on Saturday till going to press.
All the 40 Bhandaras, considered to be the agricultural backbone, particularly in the hinterlands of the Taluka, are thrown open.
According to WRD (who manages the various Bhandaras) sources, the Bhandara, which were blocked soon after the last monsoon, help not only for irrigation purposes but also adds to the conservation of groundwater levels.
Incidentally, though it arrived 5 days late, the monsoon had commenced with a bang on Friday.
The famed ‘Khola Mirchi’, which bagged GI Tag two years ago and is mostly grown in Canacona hills, is presently under transplantation stage. Khola Mirchi or Canconchi mirsang as it is locally called, though rainfed crop needs normal rains, especially during its re-plantation for healthy growth, is however delayed for re-plantation due to no rains for the past week. While in most cases suitable lands are prepared, the nursery is ready and is also taken up for its re-plantation for the last two days, continuous and too many rains could impact its healthy growth. Though heavy rains are required, water stagnation at the transplanted roots, however, kills the plant, said a source.
While Khola Mirchi is very familiar on the hilly terrains of Khola village, it is also grown on the hilly slopes of Gaondongrim, Khotigao, and Shrishthal villages on a larger scale.
Canconchi Mirsang, which is in high demand with the consumers, is rich in taste of medium pungent flavour and brilliant red colour; its thin and almost transparent skin is widely used by people for the preparation of day-to-day curry, Rachead Masala, various Pickles, Red Chilly Sauce, amongst other food delicacies.
