JENIFER FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
ALDONA: For Babani Redkar, a traditional farmer and skilled coconut plucker, clambering up trees is a craft passed down through generations. A resident of Quitla in Aldona, Redkar has spent years tending to coconut trees, offering not just his expertise in harvesting but also guidance on maintaining healthy crops.
Growing up in a family of farmers, Redkar learned the art of climbing coconut trees from his grandfather. “I watched him closely and imitated his techniques. Back then, we used only a rope and a chopper to scale the trees,” he recalls. Today, after years of experience, he uses a mechanised climbing device, making the job safer and more efficient. Trained in Old Goa, he has been using this equipment for the past nine years, allowing him to work across multiple villages beyond his own.
While many know Redkar for his skill in plucking coconuts, he is often sought out for advice on coconut tree health and yield improvement. “Before I climb, I assess whether the coconuts are ready for harvesting. Many people also ask why their trees are producing fewer coconuts than before. I always tell them—coconut trees, like humans, need proper care, nourishment, and water to thrive.”
According to Redkar, traditional farming practices have declined over the years, affecting the overall health of coconut trees. “Earlier, people would water the trees regularly, dig around them, and use natural fertilizers. Now, many expect a good yield without putting in the effort. Some blame mobile towers for reduced growth, but I ask them—what have you done to care for your coconut tree?”
Redkar emphasizes that proper maintenance can significantly improve coconut yield. “A special manure is available specifically for coconut trees, and watering
before the monsoon is essential. Many trees today suffer from
diseases that cause coconuts to fall before they mature. Regular care can prevent this.”
As a professional coconut plucker, Redkar follows a careful process when harvesting. “Mature coconuts turn reddish, while the immature ones remain green. I always inform tree owners about which ones should be plucked. Some insist on clearing the entire tree before the monsoon, but indiscriminate cutting of leaves and premature harvesting can impact future production.” Despite the importance of his work, Redkar is concerned about the future of coconut plucking in Goa. “Younger generations are not interested in this profession. Farming and traditional occupations are being neglected. If this continues, Goans will soon have to depend on migrant workers for such jobs.”
For Redkar, coconut plucking and farming are not just jobs but a source of pride. “People think office work is the only respectable profession, but I believe a farmer is the greatest person in Goa. This work has provided for my family, and I have no regrets.”
Having studied only up to the fifth standard due to financial constraints, Redkar dedicated himself to farming and ploughing fields with oxen, a tradition his family followed for generations. Today, he urges young Goans to learn the art of coconut plucking. “Training is available in Old Goa. This profession gives you independence—you are your own boss. If more people take it up, we can preserve this Goan tradition instead of losing it to outsiders.”
While the modern world moves toward automation and urban professions, Babani Redkar remains rooted in tradition, ensuring that the legacy of Goa’s coconut farmers is not forgotten.