TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
Joseph Fernandes
ALDONA: At 67 years old, Pundalik Shamba Chodankar of Coimavaddo, Quitla, has dedicated over four decades to farming—a tradition passed down from his parents and the sole source of income for his family.
Donning a small towel on his head to shield himself from the scorching sun, he spends the entire day toiling in the fields. “However, as the heat becomes increasingly unbearable, I find myself returning home earlier than before. The climate in Goa has changed a lot since my childhood,” says Pundalik with a worried look.
Currently, after the rains, Pundalik cultivates vegetables, while during the monsoon season, he tends to his paddy crop. His farm yields a variety of vegetables, including gherkins, red amaranth, brinjals, chillies, maize, long beans, and many others.
Recalling the arduous methods of the past, Pundalik reminisces about drawing water from a ‘latt’ made of tree branches and bamboo sticks, a laborious task that consumed much of their time. Today, with the aid of pumps, watering the crops requires less effort. Yet, he acknowledges the relentless nature of farming. “Even office-goers and healthcare workers have fixed hours, and are paid for overtime. In agriculture however, there are no fixed hours. The more one invests in the fields, the better the yield,” he points out.
Pundalik is disheartened by the reluctance of the younger generation to continue the legacy of farming. He believes that passion and determination are essential for success in agriculture, qualities often overlooked in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
While his children urge him to retire, Pundalik remains committed to his work as long as his health permits. Despite the financial strain and labour-intensive nature of farming, Pundalik finds solace in the introduction of machines for ploughing and harvesting, alleviating some of the burdens. He also maintains a few cows, utilising their dung as organic manure—a practice he values deeply. However, the threat of porcupines wreaking havoc on his crops remains a constant challenge. “They come in big groups and destroy our grown crops. We have tried all methods in warding them off but they still manage to enter the fields at night and eat all our vegetables,” he rues.
The weathered farmer swears by the unparalleled quality and taste of Goan vegetables, free from harmful chemicals—a testament to the State’s rich agricultural heritage.
As age catches up with him, Pundalik juggles the responsibilities of caring for his livestock, managing his fields, and attending to various other chores. He acknowledges the changing aspirations of the younger generation but stresses the importance of preserving farming traditions for the sake of organic produce and sustainable livelihoods. In the face of urbanisation, Pundalik remains a steadfast guardian of Goan agriculture, hoping that future generations will recognise the value of their roots and the contribution of farming to their heritage.
