Organically produced harvest draws visitors to Saras

PANAJI: Despite the array of handicrafts and artworks from various states on display at the ongoing Goa Saras festival being held at the Daryasangam, Kala Academy, Panaji, it is indigenous Goan fruits and herbs that are drawing locals to the fair.

On display and sale are the likes of bimbli, par-boiled (ukdde) rice for rice gruel (pez), locally grown polished (suroi) rice, tubers such as elephant foot yam (churana), colocasia (maadi) and white sweet potato (kaat-kongeo), dry coconuts (gudgude) as well as tender coconuts. Also available are packaged products such as kokum juice, rice powder, coconut oil and pickles.

The biggest draw, visitors say, is that the products available are organic and sans preservatives, unlike their counterparts available commercially.

“The products we sell are 100% organic and the packaged food is homemade, with no preservatives used. This is what attracts customers to our stall,” said Maya Harmalkar, a member of a Thivim-based self-help group (SHG).

Shweta Parab, representing the Arveshwar SHG, is selling arecanuts among various other items. “The size of arecanuts on sale is not the same as the ones available in the market. That apart, taste and quality differ, too. People who understand the value of such products come and purchase them from us,” she said.

Pranati Shetkar, of the Betora-Ponda based Shree Gurukrupa SHG said that despite the various tubers available in local markets, the ones they have sourced are selling fast. “Soil in the rural areas is devoid fertilizers which makes these tubers both tastier and more nutritional,” she said.

Ruchi Rajakumar Adivrekar’s is selling raw mango (toram), lemongrass and various herbs used to cure stomach ailments. “These have medicinal value but are laborious to make. When those living in cities learn about the benefits of these organic products, they want to buy them from us,” she said.

“People come here to purchase indigenous products. Those living in the city particularly don’t always have easy access to them,” said Neelim Satardekar, from the Pernem-based Maa Santoshi SHG.

This year’s edition of Saras will be on till December 23.