Fruit dealers call for modern ripening facility at Mapusa sub yard
MAPUSA
Fruit dealers at the Mapusa Sub Yard Market have renewed their demand for the installation of a large-capacity artificial ripening chamber, citing inadequate existing facilities and growing business needs.
Currently, the sub-yard operates seven small-scale ripening chambers, which traders say are insufficient to handle the volume of produce flowing through the market.
According to the traders, the demand for a modern, high-capacity chamber was initiated during the tenure of a former chairman and is still awaiting implementation.
The call for better infrastructure comes as the Mapusa Sub Yard Market – one of the largest wholesale agricultural markets in North Goa – faces growing pressure to modernize.
Despite its expansion over the past four decades, the market continues to function with outdated infrastructure and lacks several essential facilities, including adequate sanitation, cold storage, and organized waste management systems.
Spread across approximately 21,000 square meters, the sub-yard is home to over 100 traders dealing in fruits, vegetables, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities, in addition to several small-scale vendors.
To address the infrastructure gap, the Goa Agricultural Marketing Board has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Central Government.
The proposal includes the construction of around 100 larger commercial shops, a modern waste management plant, cold storage units, improved toilet facilities, and a 100-ton artificial ripening chamber.
The renewed demand for modern facilities also comes in the wake of a recent raid by officials from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
A significant quantity of allegedly artificially ripened fruits was seized during the inspection, further underlining the need for proper, regulated ripening infrastructure.
Traders believe the introduction of a high-capacity chamber will not only improve compliance with food safety norms but also enhance overall efficiency and profitability within the market.
The market community now awaits swift action and approval of the proposed development to ensure Mapusa’s agricultural hub meets the demands of modern trade.
‘Ripening chamber’ closest to natural process: FDA
PANAJI: Ripening of fruits using ethylene gas in a chamber is the closest method to the natural ripening process on a tree and is approved by law, a senior FDA official, Richard Noronha, said. “However, traders have been using the unacceptable process of dipping fruits in ethylene liquid. This process leaves chemical residue on the fruit, which is harmful if consumed,” Noronha, who is the FDA’s designated officer for North Goa District, said.
Earlier last week, Noronha led a team that raided the Mapusa yard and seized sizeable quantities of fruit that traders had allegedly artificially ripened through methods that have been red-flagged. Noronha said Margao already has a modern ‘ripening chamber’, and setting one up at Mapusa is currently being worked on.
A coordination meeting will be held shortly with Agriculture Director Sandeep Fol Desai, who is currently the administrator/chairman of the Goa Agricultural Marketing Board, he added.
