ERWIN FONSECA
PERNEM: Young minds are often creative and enterprising, eager to showcase their skills and take on challenges. When the path is already well-established, following it may bring success, but it is those who carve their own way who become true trendsetters and role models. Chaitanya Malik from Hasapur, Pernem, is one such individual—an ambitious young entrepreneur who has created his own identity.
A computer engineer by profession, Chaitanya had no inclination ten years ago that he would open an entirely new chapter in his life. He pursued engineering with the idea of working for a multinational company, but when he saw his ancestral land lying neglected, he decided to change course and build his own future.
“It was around 2016 that I took the first step to revive my ancestral property in Hasapur. Since Hasapur is a newly formed panchayat, we had to rely on Alorna for paperwork, which made the process more difficult. On top of that, arranging the initial investment was a challenge. But I had a clear goal,” says Chaitanya.
Despite the hardships, he remained determined, conducting research on future prospects while setting his plans in motion. “Finally, in 2016, with an initial investment of around Rs 15 lakh, I started this agro-tourism farm and dairy farm. Setting up the dairy and buying cows cost Rs 5 lakh, while the remaining Rs 10 lakh went into reviving the agro farm and building basic infrastructure.”
From that moment on, there was no turning back. Chaitanya embarked on a journey to create a thriving empire of dairy farming and agro-tourism in Hasapur. “Initially, we had only a few cows, and our daily milk output was around 15 litres. But I always wanted to expand, and today, we produce about 150 litres a day, with a herd of around 30 cows,” he shares.
Though proud of his engineering background, Chaitanya named his farm Dr Malik’s Farm in honour of his father, a PhD holder who has been his guiding force and source of inspiration. His mother, an employee at the Zonal Education Office in Mapusa, has also supported his transition into dairy farming and agro-tourism. She believes that not only has Chaitanya revived their ancestral land, but he has also given it a new lease of life.
Now a role model for aspiring young entrepreneurs, Chaitanya has big dreams. At just 30, he is not only focused on supplying quality milk but has also built a reputation for producing high-quality ghee, which is always in demand. While he has already achieved significant success in dairy farming, he has ambitious plans for expansion, with a keen focus on growing his agro-tourism venture.
“This is our ancestral land, revived with the support of my family. We have solar-fenced the farm and planted fruit-bearing trees, vegetables, medicinal plants, and spices. There is still a lot of scope for improvement,” he says.
The farm, situated near the Tillari canal, is a scenic retreat, enhanced by the cool waters flowing beside it.
“Today’s youth have lost their connection with nature due to the overuse of modern gadgets. That’s why I’ve created this space as an ideal getaway—where people can enjoy a traditional Goan meal, learn about sustainable farming, and truly experience nature,” he explains.
Chaitanya has no regrets about leaving computer engineering for dairy and agro-tourism.
“I plan to build an overnight guest house so that visitors can stay and experience the beauty of Pernem at sunrise, with only the sound of birds and flowing water around them. I want to educate people about how they can enjoy and learn from nature without exploiting it. That is my vision for this farm,” he shares.