PONDA: In a visionary move, the Young Farmers Club of Tiverem-Marcel is dreaming of revitalising fallow paddy agricultural land this season by cultivating Rabi crop (sown in winter, harvested in the spring). With a total of 400 farmers in the newly-formed Shriram Farmers Club, they aspire to cultivate paddy crops in fallow lands, utilising whatever free time they have. Despite being employed in various jobs, these young farmers are committed to bringing fallow lands under cultivation through community farming.
While the village boasts of ample water resources, the young farmers are seeking crucial support from the Agriculture Department in the form of tractors and other machinery, as well as schemes to carry out their agricultural endeavours. The cost of cultivation has risen, prompting the farmers to request assistance from the Department.
The farmers, who are employed part-time, expressed their desire to revive traditional agricultural activities. They emphasised the need for government support to continue these practices, especially with the rising costs of labour, which have reached as high as Rs 800 per day. In the past, family members would handle such tasks, but with education and jobs occupying their time, the farmers are relying on government support to carry on their traditions.
When contacted, the local Agriculture Officer mentioned that the land in question is marshy, making it challenging for the tractors from the Ponda office to operate. However, he assured the farmers that a suitable tractor from the South Goa Zonal Office in Margao would be made available from November 10 onwards. The tractor is expected to reach their fields on Friday, easing the concerns of the farmers.
