Panaji: As the festive season approaches and demand for coconuts continues to rise, the Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited (GSHCL) is stepping in with 55,000 coconuts for essential kitchen and puja necessities this Ganesh Chaturthi, hoping to prevent a seasonal surge in prices from hitting consumers.Of the total, around 20,000 coconuts have been sourced locally, while another 35,000 are being brought in from outside Goa. The outside consignment is expected to reach the state from Tuesday following which distribution will begin from 1,200-odd horticulture outlets across Goa from Wednesday onwards.Agriculture director and GSHCL managing director Chandrahas Desai said the stock is expected to provide supplies for five to six days. “Whatever the cost of procurement is, we will sell at the same price,” Desai said.TOI had earlier reported that the corporation chairperson Premendra Shet had said that the corporation would follow a no-profit-no-loss policy while selling the subsidised coconuts.Coconuts are currently selling for anywhere between Rs 45 to 70 based on the size. Vendors have attributed the rise in prices to the seasonal demand due to the ongoing Sharavan month and upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival wherein the coconut is a preferred ingredient in several recipes.At the GSHCL outlets across Goa, the immediate price indication is expected to be around Rs 35 to Rs 40 per coconut, depending on the size of the nut. “The final price for the incoming consignment will be determined after the coconuts arrive on Tuesday and the procurement cost is known,” Desai said.If festive demand remains strong or market prices continue to climb, additional procurement could become necessary.“Depending upon the demand, we will procure more coconuts to ensure that at least a portion of the market has access to them at a controlled, transparent price.” Desai said.
