MARGAO: In an apparent move to offset losses, state’s traditional bakers have decided to introduce 50 gram ‘pao’ from July 1 which will be priced at Rs 5 each. The 30 gram ‘pao’ that is presently offered by the bakers will continue to be sold at Rs 3.
President of All Goa Bakers and Confectioners’ Association Peter Fernandes said, “The necessity to have a control on the size of the ‘pao’ was felt to offset the increasing costs of firewood, flour and labour. The government is taking us for a ride. The then chief minister Manohar Parrikar had assured a support price of Re 1 on ‘pao’ but it was never done. With present ‘pao’ price, we are unable to run bakeries any further and so have decided to have a control on bread size and also offer 50 gram pao.”
Briefing mediapersons in Margao, Fernandes also informed that before taking the decision to offer a larger ‘pao’, members of the association had taken stakeholders including hoteliers and others into confidence.
“From July 1, the 50 to 55 gram pao will be available at Rs 5 each while the 30 gram bread will continue to be available at Rs 3. We appeal the people to cooperate with us,’’ Fernandes said. He also said that the members of the association will be meeting the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to apprise him about their difficulties. He stated that none of the Goan bakeries add potassium bromate and hence Goans should eat the traditional pao without any fear. “A truckload of firewood, which earlier was costing Rs 5,000 now costs Rs 12,000. We appeal to the government to make a provision for 75 per cent subsidy on firewood for bakers. This will enable us to at least run the business viably,’’ he stated. He also demanded subsidy for making bakeries power-based and discontinue use of fire wood “as the Goa Pollution Control Board is not very supportive.”
NT Network Goa News
President of All Goa Bakers and Confectioners’ Association Peter Fernandes said, “The necessity to have a control on the size of the ‘pao’ was felt to offset the increasing costs of firewood, flour and labour. The government is taking us for a ride. The then chief minister Manohar Parrikar had assured a support price of Re 1 on ‘pao’ but it was never done. With present ‘pao’ price, we are unable to run bakeries any further and so have decided to have a control on bread size and also offer 50 gram pao.”
Briefing mediapersons in Margao, Fernandes also informed that before taking the decision to offer a larger ‘pao’, members of the association had taken stakeholders including hoteliers and others into confidence.
“From July 1, the 50 to 55 gram pao will be available at Rs 5 each while the 30 gram bread will continue to be available at Rs 3. We appeal the people to cooperate with us,’’ Fernandes said. He also said that the members of the association will be meeting the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to apprise him about their difficulties. He stated that none of the Goan bakeries add potassium bromate and hence Goans should eat the traditional pao without any fear. “A truckload of firewood, which earlier was costing Rs 5,000 now costs Rs 12,000. We appeal to the government to make a provision for 75 per cent subsidy on firewood for bakers. This will enable us to at least run the business viably,’’ he stated. He also demanded subsidy for making bakeries power-based and discontinue use of fire wood “as the Goa Pollution Control Board is not very supportive.”
NT Network Goa News
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