Goa, March 12 -- The women from Adnem, Balli, and Quepem have been diligently upholding the tradition of cultivating sweet potatoes without chemicals, providing their harvest to the markets in Curchorem and Margao. Despite their dedication, they encounter numerous obstacles, including transportation difficulties and the challenge of securing selling locations on footpaths and roadsides, as Goa's horticulture department does not recognize their sweet potatoes.

These industrious women engage in a labor-intensive process that encompasses land clearing, harvesting, and selling, yet they seldom achieve substantial profits. The absence of adequate selling spaces, coupled with transportation costs and adverse weather conditions while operating ...