JENIFER FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
aldona: We learned about the life of a farmer through school lessons—simple yet deeply impactful tales of resilience and labour. For retired plumber Prakash Pandurang Karapurkar, a resident of Santarxete in Aldona, farming was not just a lesson, it has become a way of life. A plumber by profession for over 25 years, Prakash turned to farming full-time upon retirement, dedicating his days to nurturing the land and promoting locally grown Goan produce.
Prakash’s day starts at 6 am, tending to his crops. Despite growing up in modest circumstances and balancing school with farming, he completed his education up to Std X. Working in the fields not only kept him fit and active but also instilled a lifelong love for agriculture.
Rain or shine, his focus remained on the fields, a passion he continues to pursue. Prakash’s farm boasts a variety of Goan vegetables—radish, red spinach, ladyfingers, chillies, long beans, and more. These are grown using seeds from his previous crops, carefully preserved and protected against moisture, to ensure continuity and sustainability.
“Our ganvtti (local) vegetables are fresh, natural, and free from chemicals,” he says, emphasising the contrast with imported produce from Belagavi and other regions. “We pluck our vegetables in the morning and sell them directly in the market.” His dedication extends to using organic manure and avoiding chemical sprays to maintain the purity and taste of his crops. “People see me working in the fields and often stop to purchase freshly-harvested vegetables,” he says proudly. In the monsoon, Prakash grows paddy, transitioning to vegetables as the rains recede. Preparing the fields is a meticulous process, involving clearing land, sowing seeds, watering, and constant vigilance to protect crops from birds and pests. “When I see the plants grow day by day, it fills me with pride and motivates me to work harder for the next season,” he says.
Prakash sells most of his vegetables through local dealers in Mapusa and urges Goans to support local farmers by choosing ganvtti produce over imported vegetables. “Our vegetables are nutritious and better for health. Parents must encourage children to eat fresh vegetables instead of processed or fast food,” he advises.
He also highlights the need to involve the younger generation in farming. “Children rarely visit the fields today. It’s not easy at first, but we need to introduce them gradually, teaching them the importance of hard work and respect for nature.”
To Prakash, farming is not merely a profession but a way of life that preserves traditions and ensures food security. “Farming doesn’t require interviews or bribes—just passion. If the younger generation doesn’t carry this forward, our traditions will vanish, and we will become dependent on imported vegetables.”
Prakash emphasises the role of education in promoting agriculture. He believes farming should be made a compulsory subject in schools to instill an appreciation for the land and its bounty. “With advancements in technology, farming today offers many opportunities. It’s time to adapt and make the younger generation aware of this potential.”
Despite the challenges, Prakash remains hopeful. “Farming is about feeding ourselves and others. No matter where we work, we ultimately work to sustain life. Farming is our foundation, and it’s our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.”
As Prakash continues his efforts to keep Goa’s farming traditions alive, his story is a reminder that the fruits of hard work are always worth the toil.