At a time when many are leaving agriculture behind, John Fernandes of Karemoddi, Curchorem, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration by transforming unproductive land into a thriving farm.
For the past seven years, Fernandes has successfully cultivated watermelons in the summer and ladyfingers (bhende) during the monsoon, demonstrating that farming can still be sustainable and rewarding.
Originally employed in government service, Fernandes left his job to start a truck transport business. But after the Goa mining ban, he lost both his enterprise and income. His life took a new direction during a visit to Pune, where he was inspired by farms flourishing with watermelons and ladyfingers. Determined to begin again, he returned home and converted his idle cashew orchard into fertile farmland, investing ₹4 lakh in land development.
Today, he cultivates ladyfingers across 5,000 square meters, harvesting more than 2 tonnes each season. With help from two laborers and his own hands-on work, Fernandes sells most of his produce directly by the roadside at the Curchorem market, where demand remains high.
“The agriculture department visits my farm regularly and provides all possible support,” he said. “The subsidies I receive every year help me grow further. Since I work alongside my laborers, it also keeps my costs down.”
Rejecting chemical fertilizers, Fernandes relies on cow dung to nourish his crops, making his produce more sustainable and healthier for consumers.
His farm has become a learning hub where school students visit to understand practical farming methods and discover agriculture’s potential as a viable career.
“Agriculture gave me a new life when everything else failed,” Fernandes shared. “I want to show people that farming has a future. The younger generation is often reluctant, but they should come forward. Those who are jobless and have land should convert it into farmland and become self-reliant.”
Fernandes’ journey stands as a powerful reminder that resilience, vision, and hard work can turn adversity into opportunity. His example continues to inspire countless others to rediscover respect for farming and believe in the promise of the land.