PERNEM: To be or not to be was the question, but his decision was quick and firm. He chose natural over chemical, the health of the consumer over profit through increased yield. And most of all, this Pernem farmer, who won the Agricultural Departments State Award, wants to inspire the youth of Goa to take up the business of vermicompost to boost farming.
Shekhar Parashtekar, a farmer from Parashte, Pernem, was recently bestowed with the State Award by the Agriculture Department and was felicitated by the Navchetna Yuvak Sangh and Shahu Phule Ambedkar Pratishtan for his contribution to the field of sustainable agriculture.
The use of chemical fertiliser may give high yield, but one cannot stick to it at the cost of one’s health, says Shekhar Parashtekar, who is firm on the use of only organic fertilisers for his plantations. “Organic fertilisers are the best, and must be used on a large scale. For this to happen, the production of organic fertilisers must be increased,” says Parashtekar. Keeping in mind his own ideology, Shekhar started a vermicompost plant in his backyard, and is happy to pass on his knowledge to those who are passionate about sustainable farming.
Shekhar gives the credit of setting up the plant to Agriculture Department officials Prasad Parab and Uday Prabhudesai. Sudhir Dhawaskar from Ibrampur supplied worms for the plant. Apart from being soil friendly, the vermicompost can surely be a source of income for youth, he says. Budding agriculturists and farmers should consider it as a long-term side business, says Parashtekar who assures full support to youth genuinely interested in starting vermicompost plants.
