NT Reporter
Mapusa
A fruit ripening chamber being built at the Mapusa sub yard market to provide a chemical-free method for ripening fruit is expected to be completed and operational within 15 days. The work, which was originally scheduled for completion by Ganesh Chaturthi, was delayed due to heavy rains and the pending electricity connection.
The Mapusa sub yard market, one of the largest in North Goa, witnesses a huge demand for fruits, particularly bananas, which peaks during the festive season. At present, around nine traditional ‘bhattis’ are operated by fruit dealers in the sub yard to ripen fruit. However, the process takes time, affects appearances, and often creates hurdles for dealers catering not only to North Goa but also to customers from Maharashtra. Reports of chemical use for ripening have also surfaced in the market, prompting action from the Food and Drugs Administration.
To curb such malpractices, the government, through the Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Board, has taken up the project of constructing a modern ripening chamber. The Rs 2 crore facility, funded by the central and state governments, will house four chambers capable of handling about 60 tonnes of fruit daily. Fruits will be ripened using scientific methods to ensure safe and healthy produce for consumers.
Secretary of the Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Board, Satyavan Dessai, said the construction of the ripening chamber is nearly complete and that the electricity connection is expected soon. “The work of the artificial ripening chamber is nearly completion and soon will get electricity connection, following which it will be made operational in the next 15 days,” said Dessai.
He said the delay was caused largely due to heavy rains, as the work was supposed to be completed by Ganesh Chaturthi.
