JENIFER FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
ALDONA: In the quiet village of Arao Vaddo in Pomburpa, lives a man whose hands carry the strength of a thousand harvests, and whose spirit reflects the resilience of Goa’s agrarian soul. At 74, Antonio Fernandes is not just a farmer—he is a living testament to tradition, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the land.
From a very young age, Antonio was immersed in the rhythm of rural life. Farming was not just a job—it was his identity. Even today, he toils in the fields, climbs tall coconut trees with practiced ease, and clears fallen trees for anyone who calls upon him. For over 30 years, he has climbed trees, not just in Goa, but across the state and even in Karwar, cutting and clearing branches with precision and skill passed down through generations.
But Antonio’s story doesn’t stop at the boundaries of Goa. Like many Goans of his time, he spent over 20 years abroad, working hard to provide for his family. Yet, when he returned, he chose to come back to the fields—the very soil that shaped his childhood. “I’ve never regretted not working in a government job,” he says proudly. “There is freedom in doing your own work. No boss, no fixed time—just dedication and heart.”
He taught his children to love the land the same way he does. “I never hired workers. My whole family worked together in the fields. I made sure my children came with me, learned farming, and did it with passion. Our household has thrived without ever needing to buy vegetables from the market. Everything we eat is what we grow—and it’s all organic” says Fernandes
Antonio’s connection with the land is not just physical—it’s deeply spiritual. “Every time I climb a tree, I begin with a prayer, asking God to keep me safe. And when I finish, I thank Him for protecting me.” His humility and faith are as strong as his hands.
Today, despite his age, Antonio still climbs coconut trees—now using a metal climber, a change from the rope he relied on for decades. “I can tell if a coconut is ready just by tapping it and hearing the sound,” he smiles. But he laments the careless methods of some modern workers. “Many migrants climb and pluck even immature coconuts. They don’t know the tree like we do.”
One of Antonio’s most memorable moments was cutting down a massive mango tree in just 45 minutes—without causing a scratch to nearby property. “People were amazed,” he recalls. “That’s the kind of perfection I’ve always aimed for.”
His deep knowledge of trees is impressive. “A coconut tree has three roots. If one starts coming out, the tree starts leaning. You have to act before all three give way,” he explains. His experience is not learned in books, but earned from a lifetime of observing and working with nature.
Antonio is vocal about the changing attitudes among Goans. “Parents today don’t take their children to the fields. They tell them, ‘We are educated now, you don’t need to do this.’ That’s where we’re going wrong. We are giving up our traditional jobs, and tomorrow, migrants will take over. Then what will be left for our own children?”
He believes that introducing children to agriculture, traditional Goan work, and self-reliance early on will build a stronger, healthier generation. “We see children getting sick now—BP, cholesterol, diabetes—why? It’s the food, the lifestyle. Our forefathers lived up to 90. We struggle to reach 55.”
Despite these concerns, Antonio remains hopeful. He has planted fruit-bearing trees, knowing that someday, his children and grandchildren will enjoy their fruits. He still plays football, a game he loved since childhood and once played for local clubs. “I’m 74, and I still kick the ball when I get a chance. Arsenal is my team!” he says with a gleam in his eye.
For Antonio, life has always been about effort, faith, and love for the land. His story is not just about farming or tree climbing—it is about what it means to live a full life, rooted in values, connected to tradition, and guided by purpose.
His message to the younger generation is clear and heartfelt:
“Love your land. Learn from your elders. Don’t be ashamed of traditional work—it is noble, it keeps you strong, and it will give you more satisfaction than any job abroad ever will.”
In the golden twilight of his years, Antonio Fernandes stands tall—not just among coconut trees—but as a beacon of inspiration for every Goan who still hears the heartbeat of the soil.