MARGAO: The youth and parishioners of Holy Spirit Church, Margao, began cultivation work on the agricultural bundh near the Old Market Circle at Madel.
This activity began after Fr Movin Fernandes prayed for those involved in the initiative. He also praised the youth for being enthusiastic about farming. Agriculturist Simon Miranda said they have been cultivating the area for 13 years now. “Amidst the concrete town of Margao, this agricultural bundh is an oasis of greenery,” he added.
This work is being done in preparation for the feast of Assumption of Mother Mary on August 15, at which the first sheaf of paddy is blessed by the priest and distributed to
all parishioners.
“I encourage all the youth of Goa to try their hand at this and promote agriculture. This was my first-time planting rice paddy and getting my hands dirty. I feel one with nature,” said Rahul Pereira, of Holy Spirit Parish youth, while speaking about the experience.
“Such initiatives empower the youth. After many years, I have come back to the fields. The last time was when I was with the Seminary. It was a great experience for all of us doing this together,” added Joyston Costa, another Holy Spirit parish youth member.
The message was also conveyed that if the younger generation takes interest in farming and how it is done on the ground, then such knowledge can be passed on to the future generations and the tradition of farming even in towns is continued.
