Coconut pluckers have over the years become a rare tribe, with ‘padekars’ increasingly difficult to find and it is heartening to note that various government and non-government organisations have come together with the twin objective of promoting women and ensuring the availability of padekars, albeit in the form of ‘women padelis’.
In a first, Pernem women have set aside their initial inhibitions and have taken up the arduous task of climbing coconut palms, as part of the ‘Women Padelis’ Skill Development Training programme organised by various government agencies from June 7 to 12 at Pernem.
Sponsored by District Rural Development Agency, organised by AATMA and facilitated by Pernem Zonal Agriculture Office, the women were imparted special training to climb coconut trees with the help of a specially-designed machine.
A group of 20 women, of which 17 were from Casarvarnem village and three from Morjim, Dhargalim and Palyem respectively, participated in the week-long programme that released the first batch of women coconut pluckers.
The initiative by Department of Rural Development, Directorate of Agriculture, Agriculture Technology Management Agency, seems to display initial success, keeping in mind the enthusiasm of the 20 participants, who are now keen to display their talent.
Barring a girl from Palyem village, all the others are married and above 30 years of age, some even with children as old as 15 to 20 years of age. The participants seemed to be inspired by the oldest woman in the group, Sharayu Gawde who is 56 years of age and undeterred by persistent cataract problem.
During the training cum workshop programme, the women were trained to use of the machine and its functioning, besides demonstrating how to use it to safely climb trees.
Besides the use of the machine, the participants were also instructed by Sudhir Dhavuskar and assistants Pradip Korgaonkar and Bhikaji Gaonkar, how to clean the coconut tree, how to pluck coconuts, how to plant trees, precautions to be taken while climbing etc.
On interacting with the women, one got the impression that though initially reluctant, they had shed their initial fear and taken up the challenge after assistance from various self-help groups, including Stri Shakti.
“We still cannot believe that we can climb the coconut tree with ease,” Janaki Parab said recalling the initiative of the Stri Shakti member from Kerala who had earlier visited the Casarvarnem village.
It was really heartening to learn that initially 30 women evinced interest in the programme, braving inclement weather, household responsibilities, children, indecisiveness, besides fear of failure and social scorn.
Pravina Naik narrated how she was initially dissuaded and told how shameful it would be if she were to fall. “This was perhaps the best experience of my life and I am very happy because I got to learn something new and exciting.”
Another woman highlighted that climbing coconut trees was totally a different experience altogether, as there were no branches and one had to go straight upwards. “We are glad that we were given the opportunity and could show that women too can be as good as men.”
The women also were thankful to the officials and their families for supporting them in their unique endeavour. However, there were some disappointments too, as the women claim that they have yet to receive the coconut tree climbing machine, as initially promised to them.
Janaki emphasised that during the training programme they were given assurances that all the participants would be provided coconut climbing machines, but were disappointed and have yet to get the machines.
