Panaji: A green cooking initiative, aimed at reducing dependency on LPG cylinders, and improving working conditions for women in self-help groups (SHGs), was launched by the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) under the net positive panchayat project, with Harvalem identified as a pilot village for the project.A technical orientation was conducted last week as an outreach focused on SHGs specifically engaged in catering, to introduce clean energy adoption in community kitchens.Aligned with the Goa Energy Roadmap 2050, which aims to reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels, the initiative aims to boost the operation of SHGs run by women who are active in food catering, tailoring, or making incense sticks.With growing demand for energy in residential and commercial spaces at Harvalem, the govt launched this intiative here, with 26 SHGs.The SHGs will be provided with cooking equipment such as a commercial induction cooktop for their community kitchens, which is powered by both solar and electricity. The cooking systems will enable women to produce massive food quantities and will save time compared with cooking via LPG gas.The project will be first tested with a smaller group of women, and will later expand to other SHGs in the village.
