Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a pressing appeal to the Goa state government, All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader Girish Chodankar has emphasized the urgent need for implementing subsidies on coconuts, given the alarming rise in their prices.
The current price of coconuts, which has surged to ₹70 per coconut, is placing a significant financial burden on families in Goa, where coconuts are a staple, especially during festive seasons.
Chodankar, speaking on behalf of the Congress, highlighted the critical nature of this issue and warned that if the government fails to address it promptly, the party may be forced to initiate a public agitation, similar to past movements. “Coconuts are an integral part of every Goan household, and the drastic price increase is causing considerable hardship for families,” Chodankar stated.
The AICC leader also criticized the government’s allocation of substantial funds to various events, which he alleged often lead to corruption, while ignoring the pressing needs of everyday citizens. “It is disheartening to see the government prioritize lavish spending on events over the welfare of its people. We demand that the government takes immediate action to ease this financial strain on the citizens of Goa,” Chodankar urged.
The economic impact of rising coconut prices is not limited to household budgets; it also affects local traders and farmers. In regions like Chikkamagaluru, where tender coconut prices have skyrocketed to ₹50-60 per piece, farmers and traders are already feeling the pinch.
The recent decision by the Union Cabinet to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2025 season, although a positive step for coconut growers in other parts of the country, does not directly address the immediate concerns of consumers in Goa. The MSP for milling copra has been increased to ₹11,582 per quintal and for ball copra to ₹12,100 per quintal, aiming to incentivize farmers to expand copra production. However, this does not translate into immediate relief for consumers facing high prices.
Chodankar’s call for subsidies is part of a broader demand for the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens. With the average coconut price in Goa ranging from ₹1200 to ₹2000 per quintal, the need for intervention is clear.
As the situation continues to escalate, the Goa Congress is gearing up for potential public protests if their demands are not met. The party is adamant that the government must take concrete steps to alleviate the financial strain on families and ensure that essential commodities like coconuts remain affordable.
