PONDA: The rising prices of coconuts in Goan markets have caused significant concern among consumers and homemakers over the past two weeks, as coconuts are a vital ingredient in daily cooking, especially for dishes such as fish curry and other meals.
Nalli Gaude, a coconut vendor at the Ponda market, reported that coconuts that were previously priced at Rs 20 are now being sold for Rs 30.
Furthermore, larger coconuts, which used to cost between Rs 25 and Rs 30, are now available for Rs 35 to Rs 40. Smaller coconuts have also experienced a price increase, now ranging from Rs 18 to Rs 20, reflecting a rise of Rs 7 to Rs 8.
Although Goa imports coconuts from Karnataka, vendors remain uncertain about the specific reasons for the supply shortage and the escalating prices. Kisan Naik, a resident of Ponda, has called on the government to investigate the factors contributing to the rising coconut prices, suggesting that mobile towers, heavy rainfall, climate changes, and insect infestations may be influencing the supply challenges.
One vendor in the open market noted that this is the first instance of coconut prices reaching such high levels, with larger coconuts now priced at Rs 40 each.