Bhaji-Pao is a well-known breakfast in the lives of Goans. However, the bread that most of the Goans starts their morning with will cost Rs five from October 1. While bakers will sell Pao in the wholesale market at Rs four, the Pao weighing 50 grams will be sold in retail at Rs five.
Along with the bread, the sliced bread might as well increase its price soon.
Making the announcement, the President of the all-Goa bakers and confectioners Association, Margao, Peter Fernandes on Wednesday said that the price has been increased due to the increase in the prices of the ingredients, woods and other related things.
He further said that the current price hike is temporary and would depend on the support received from the government.
The announcement has affected many restaurants. Making Goan bread is an art and there are more than 700 bakers whose lives are dependent on the bakery business. However, due to the pandemic as well as the rising prices, many traditional Goans bakers have lost their livelihood.
Although many bakers are facing difficulties but will have to keep it alive as it is their only source of income. "The price of ingredients is soaring, therefore the production of bread has risen. Keeping all this into consideration the decision of rising price was done by the Goa Bakers Associations," said Fernandes.
“Pao and bakery business are no more profitable. Because of this situation, our children are migrating to different professions,” he added.
Seeking immediate help from the state government, Fernandes has demanded financial support for the bakers. “Due to Covid-19 many Poders are having a hard time, we are asking for a helping hand from the state government by introducing different schemes and allowing pensions as well.”