Team Herald
MARGAO: Farmers at Salpem Lake in Navelim are celebrating a season of renewed cultivation after years of challenges brought on by sewage discharge from neighbouring Margao. With guidance from local agricultural advocate Fr George Quadros, they’ve successfully revived fields once left fallow for decades. Remarkably, these fields now thrive without requiring fertilizers or extensive weeding, thanks to the unique richness of the area’s soil.
Fr Quadros, known as the ‘Paddy Man of Goa’, commended the farmers’ perseverance during a recent harvest prayer service. He lauded the crop’s progress, despite heavy rains that created obstacles. “The area under cultivation has increased, and the crop is looking good,” he told the media, appreciating the community’s dedication to reviving Navelim’s fields. In his words, “The beauty of Navelim is that farmers have come together and are staying together, committed to bringing all their fallow fields back to cultivation.”
The Salpem fields hold particular promise, as Fr Quadros noted their exceptional soil qualities. The absence of weeds is a distinct advantage, he said, adding that most farmers in the region have ceased cultivation because of the high costs associated with weeding. “Salpem is an exception. Here, all that’s needed is to transplant the paddy, wait for it to grow, and enjoy a bountiful harvest,” he observed, expressing optimism for future seasons.
Fr Quadros explained that around 1.5 lakh square metres were cultivated this season, short of the 2.5 to three lakh square metres originally targeted due to limited access. “Right now, there are blockages in the fields for certain reasons, but we hope these issues will be resolved before the next season,” he said, affirming his ongoing support for the farmers’ vision of restoring Salpem’s lands.
Professor Antonio Alvares, President of the Salpem Lake Farmers’ Association, noted that the farmers, with Fr Quadros’ backing, are determined to expand agriculture in the next season with assistance from the Goa government. This collective effort marks a new chapter in Navelim’s farming legacy, uniting the community with the shared goal of long-term cultivation success.