In a world increasingly driven by modern agricultural technology, 60-year-old Ganesh Gaonkar from Shirvoi in Quepem, Goa, remains steadfast in his commitment to traditional farming practices. For more than 45 years, Ganesh has tilled his 4-hectare land the old-fashioned way—using bulls instead of machines, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Starting his farming journey at the young age of 15, Ganesh has consistently relied on time-tested techniques, growing rice without the aid of modern equipment. While mechanization has transformed agriculture across the country, Ganesh still ploughs his fields with a pair of bulls—an uncommon and nostalgic sight in today's Goa.
"I don't understand modern farming methods," Ganesh admits with humility. "What I do know is how we have always done it—and that works for me."
His self-reliant approach has kept him mostly independent of external assistance. In fact, Ganesh never sought government help until last year, when an unexpected spell of heavy rainfall severely damaged his crops. It was only then that he accepted aid from the Agriculture Department—his first such experience in over four decades.
Despite the challenges, Ganesh Gaonkar continues to be a beacon of resilience and tradition. His unwavering dedication serves as a reminder that sustainable agriculture doesn't always require new technology—sometimes, it just needs the wisdom of the past.