Goa's long tradition of preserving wild veggies

The Goa government is taking steps to preserve the old tradition of locals foraging for wild vegetables during the monsoon in the state's forests, aimed at protecting the cultural heritage and promoting sustainable food practices, officials said.

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Backed by the government's initiative, Goa assembly speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar has been spearheading a campaign to create awareness about the wild vegetables, popularly known as “Raan Bhaji”, in the coastal state.

The Pramod Sawant-led government has been promoting the campaign during the monsoon and supporting the Raan Bhaji festival, which will be held sometime in September this year, Tawadkar told PTI.

"In the olden days, villagers in Goa included wild vegetables in their diet. These are organic varieties, naturally found in forest areas and untouched by pesticides and fertilisers," Tawadkar said.