ERWIN FONSECA
PARRA: Anthony D’Souza, or ‘Tony’ as he is popularly known, owns approximately 8,000 square metres of land in Parra. He fondly recalls visiting this land with his parents as a child, when he was barely 8 or 10 years old. It was during these early years that the seeds of his love for Mother Earth and nature were sown—laying the foundation for his eventual career in farming.
“My father was a teacher in Parra and also engaged in farming on the side, mainly growing paddy. We would join him in the fields and were always excited to help,” recalls Tony.
After completing his education, like many young people, Tony pursued various jobs, including music and talent management. His passion for music led him to perform at full moon night parties in Calangute, Baga, and Vagator during the hippie era. “Tourism back then was of a different kind—clean, decent, and we easily blended with the hippies, playing music and providing entertainment,” he reminisces.
His musical journey took him to Radio Ceylon, allowing him to travel extensively, while his parents continued farming in Parra. They primarily grew rice, ragi, and watermelon—Parra being particularly famous for watermelons. However, Tony’s connection to farming remained strong.
While working in Bangalore, he ventured into hydroponics, a modern farming method that intrigued him. “Hydroponics was quite advanced in Bangalore at the time, and I practiced it for a few years alongside my work until Goa called me back,” he shares.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony returned to Goa, partly to care for his parents, and fully immersed himself in farming at his Parra. Over the past few years, he has seen great success but believes there is still much to achieve.
“At present, we grow a variety of vegetables and edible plants, including basil, spinach, radish, tapioca, papayas, bananas, brinjals, ladyfingers, sweet potatoes, and microgreens. My farm also serves as a small picnic and educational spot where visitors, including students, come to learn about agriculture. During the monsoon, we cultivate rice in one section of the farm, providing a wide variety of fresh produce to our customers,” says Tony.
Constantly exploring new ideas, Tony noticed that his farm had a freshwater pond used for rainwater harvesting.
With Parra’s strong water table, he decided to put it to better use.
“I attended a three-day fisheries course a few months ago and realized I could cultivate fish. They provided me with three types of freshwater fish—Rohu, Katla, and Carp—which I introduced to my pond. Later, I also cultivated Tilapia for a brief period before harvesting it,” he explains.
Today, Tony’s farm is unique for its combination of vegetable cultivation and fish farming. “It’s not just about money or fun; I believe in dedicating myself fully to what I do. I visit my farm regularly, spending time with both the plants and the fish—it’s a source of immense joy,” he says.
Tony highlights the benefits of using fish water as natural manure for plants, enriching the soil and supporting sustainable farming practices. He also expresses deep concern about ocean pollution, including microplastics, oil spills, and untreated sewage. “With increasing contamination in the seas, fish may no longer be safe for consumption. A time may come when each of us will have to grow fish in our own backyards,” he warns.
Committed to maintaining an eco-friendly, chemical-free farm, Tony finds great satisfaction in providing fresh, organic food to the community. His future plans include expanding into hydroponics and transforming his farm into a fully organic, self-sustaining eco-farm. “We are currently doing aquaponics, and I plan to introduce hydroponics soon. My goal is to cultivate mushrooms, flowers, and even start beekeeping to make the farm as self-sufficient and educational as possible.”
However, he laments the challenges posed by stray cattle, which often damage crops. “Cattle owners need to be more responsible. Farmers work tirelessly to build their farms, but when stray cattle destroy their efforts, it discourages agricultural progress. If farming is to prosper in Goa, all stakeholders must take equal responsibility. A few people working hard while others pull them down will not help agriculture grow,” he concludes.