MARGAO: In a feat that was once considered unfeasible, the farmers of Navelim village have taken up an ambitious challenge of cultivating 2.5 lakh square metres of land near Saipem Lake on Thursday after the fields, prospective crops and the farmers were blessed by Fr George Quadros, who is fondly known as the paddy man of Goa.
What makes this effort significant is that prior to 2023, for four decades, these fields were lying barren.
The farmers, whose ancestors tended to this land for generations, were compelled to abandon their fields due to sewage flowing into Saipem Lake from stormwater drains in Margao, contaminating the soil.
However, last year, the group of farmers, who were supported by the Village Development Committee (VDC) of the Navelim Panchayat, along with Fr Quadros of the Don Bosco Agricultural Unit and the group Goencho Xetkar, joined hands and managed to cultivate one lakh square metres of fields.
It’s worth noting that professor Antonio Alvares, President of the local farmers committee, had petitioned the High Court, prompting the court to issue directives to authorities to halt the sewage discharge.
The farmer group has also been working towards resolving other obstacles that have come their way since then. They had acknowledged the support they received from the agriculture department as well.
On Thursday, Alvares thanked all the farmers, Fr Quadros, Goencho Xetkar, and other stakeholders for helping them with their plans for this season and the success of the previous season. A large number of students were also present.
During his prayer, Fr Quadros gave a clarion call to all those involved to remain committed to their collective goal.
Speaking to the media later that day, Fr Quadros also touched upon the significance of this initiative to keep the area green and said they are taking up such farming activities across Goa, which are aimed at satisfying the needs of the locals, not greed.
“Today, what we see is a lot of youngsters here. The future generation is coming to see how things are happening. And that is something really wonderful. It’s a milestone now that we are crossing that we have not given up. But on the contrary, we are increasing land under cultivation, and we are trying to make Goa greener and more beautiful,” said Fr Quadros.
“And in this, we are honouring the Creator who has given us this land for us—for our needs and not for our greed. And that’s the message of today: that we are cultivating this land. God has blessed this particular place, and then continue to this place in the days ahead,” he added.
“Last year, the area cultivated was 1.16 lakh square metres. This year we are going to cross 2 lakh square metres for sure, but the target is 2.5 lakh square metres. It will happen because we have started on time,” Fr Quadros added.
“Don Bosco and Gonecho Xetkar are going to give full support to all the farmers, not only in Navelim but across Iowa. You guys (other farmers in Goa) have to come in contact with us, and we will do the needful,” he concluded.
