The absence of an artificial fruit ripening chamber in North Goa led to the Agriculture Department's initiative to construct a facility with a 60-ton capacity at the Mapusa market yard. This project aims for completion by Ganesh Chaturthi.
Agriculture Director Sandeep Fol Dessai emphasized the need for scientific ripening across talukas, noting, "There must be artificial ripening chambers in each taluka. The fruits have to be ripened scientifically." An inspection at Mapusa revealed unsanitary ripening practices and the use of harmful chemicals by vendors, sparking multiple raids by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
The Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Board responded by initiating the construction of a 60-ton ripening chamber at Mapusa, dividing it into four compartments. "The market receives 8–10 tons of bananas daily, rising to around 15 tons during festive seasons," Dessai explained, justifying the facility's capacity. An e-tender has been issued, and construction is underway.
Funding for the Rs 2 crore ($240,000) project will see 35% supported by the Centre and the remainder by the State. Meanwhile, banana wholesalers and fruit dealers at the Mapusa Sub Yard Market have urged modernisation of the facility, originally developed four decades ago, highlighting its outdated infrastructure and lack of essential facilities.
The Sub Yard Market spans about 21,000 square metres and accommodates over 100 traders of fruits, vegetables, coconuts, and other produce, alongside numerous vendors. The FDA has intensified inspections, conducting around 80 across Goa, covering over 350 establishments recently, underlining an urgent need for such infrastructure in North Goa.
Source: O Heraldo