Opinion
‘Pol’ @ Rs.100
The alarming news of Rs.100/- per coconut appears in all newspapers and politicians have ‘Gone to Town’ to impress the public, and hide the mismanagement of authorities to avoid such an increase in an essential item of food.
They seem unaware, or ignorant, of the reason for such an increase. In my view, the new trend in converting coconut to coconut powder by manufacturers, has brought about the shortage in the open market. These manufacturers buy almost all mature coconuts, at auctions, or from large producers, leaving only small coconuts for day-to-day buyers, thus there is a shortage; resulting in a price hike. In fact, I bought two small sized coconuts at Rs.75/- each at the local boutique yesterday, though not fully matured.
Authorities should see a way to reduce the price and at the same time not crumple the manufacturing industry. The packetted Coconut Milk Powder eases the working mothers of the time taken to grate fresh coconuts on a ‘Hiramane’. The only disadvantage is, we miss our POL SAMBOLA and grated coconut for our MALLUM’
CK
Boralesgamuwa