CHICALIM: The Chicalim Youth Farmers Club celebrated the 78th Independence Day of India by transplanting paddy of the field through mechanical plantation. Before starting the plantation, the Parish Priest said a prayer and blessed those from the youth club who had gathered at the edge of the field.
South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes, joined them and tried his hand at driving the transplanter. He also stated that he had raised this issue in Parliament.
One youth said the plantation was delayed due to heavy rains and flooding. Secondly, the fields were not being cultivated for the last 30 to 40 years. There is need to develop the drainage and block salt water which enters the fields due to breaking of the sluice gates, the youth stated.
