ERWIN FONSECA
MAPUSA: Coming from a well-respected family, his father being a renowned doctor, Rohan Nazareth completed his science degree and, with family support, pursued further education. Like many young professionals, he secured a high-paying corporate job, seemingly set for a comfortable life. But his heart remained tied to the family’s coconut farm, a place he had visited since childhood with his father, who often took time off from his medical practice to tend to the land.
“Our coconut farm has always been special to me. I have childhood memories of visiting it with my dad, watching him relax and engage in farm work. I always dreamed of carrying that legacy forward,” Rohan recalls.
But his journey was not just about following tradition—it was a conscious decision to build something meaningful, to create a self-sustaining business without relying on family wealth or government subsidies. While many in his position might have invested in real estate, tourism, or hospitality for quick profits, Rohan took a different route. He tightened his budget, cut unnecessary expenses, and meticulously saved money while still working in the corporate sector.
“It wasn’t easy,” he admits. “I didn’t want to depend on my family’s resources or seek subsidies. My goal was to raise my own funds, so I started planning and saving. After years of preparation, I finally had enough to take the plunge. I quit my job and committed myself fully to coconut farming.”
Armed with determination and research, Rohan invested in high-end machinery, spending lakhs to modernise his farm. But he didn’t stop at traditional coconut oil extraction. He pioneered a unique process called HEAL (Hot Extraction Antioxidant Laden) to produce high-quality virgin coconut oil, a method he has since patented.
“Our ancestors extracted oil using wooden cold-press techniques, but virgin coconut oil is a new concept. It retains the natural goodness of coconut, and my father, being a doctor, always believed in its health benefits. I wanted to take this knowledge forward and ensure that coconut trees in Goa continue to be valued and preserved.”
Over the last five years, Rohan has dedicated himself entirely to farming. In addition to coconut cultivation and oil extraction, he has expanded his farm to include pepper plantations. His vision goes beyond agriculture—he has turned his farm into an educational hub. Schoolchildren, agriculture enthusiasts, and visitors can experience traditional Goan farming, participate in guided tours, and enjoy farm-to-table meals prepared with fresh, organic produce.
His farm is not just a business; it’s a living example of sustainable practices. Visitors are served meals in a thatched, cow-dung hut, using leaf plates that are later composted. Waste is minimized, and leftover food is repurposed rather than discarded.
“We educate people about food sustainability. Many in India struggle to get a single meal, while others waste food without a second thought. At my farm, we teach visitors to respect food and nature,” he says.
Beyond the farm, Rohan also takes pride in showcasing the beauty and heritage of Mulgao, a village steeped in history. His farm, surrounded by a flowing stream and an ancient temple, offers a glimpse into Goa’s past—a time of peace, self-sufficiency, and close ties to nature.
“This village is special. We have a natural spring, clean surroundings, and a way of life that reflects Goa’s old-world charm. I wanted to encapsulate that in my farm—to offer an experience that reminds people of how simple and beautiful life once was,” explains Rohan.
Despite his success, Rohan sees his journey as far from over. At just over 40 years old, he remains driven to push his farm to greater heights, proving that agriculture can be both fulfilling and profitable.
“My goal is not just personal success but to inspire Goan youth. Many see farming as non-lucrative, but I want to change that mindset. If done right, with passion and innovation, farming can be one of the most rewarding careers,” he says.