ASSAGAO: The villages of Assagao and Saligao in North Goa and Saljini in the south may have been beacons for agriculturists in the state back when the occupation was adopted by a majority of Goan families. Circumstances have changed drastically since then, and vast expanses of farmland are being laid at the altar of ‘development’ as more and more people give up the avenue in search of what they believe are more lucrative jobs.
Not Gasper Fernandes.
Heir to a farming legacy spanning three decades, Fernandes, who hails from Assagao, has dexterously adapted to the changing times and has given this traditional occupation a modern touch. Having dabbled with agriculture at an extremely young age, he ultimately chose to pick up a shovel instead of a cricket bat; such was his love for the ‘field’.
Over his 40 years as a farmer, Fernandes has quietly revolutionised the way he works. For instance, he uses drones to sow seeds and spray fertilisers in his field, and produces his own earthworm manure, a major share of which he sells in the open market.
Fernandes is of the opinion that heavy dependence on manual labour is Goan agriculture’s Achilles heel, which is why his method of farming relies greatly on modern appliances with minimal use of manpower. He also believes that many farmers suffer losses because they tend to spend hefty sums on labourers.
To remedy this, Fernandes offers his tractor on rent to the farmers of Assagao and even to those who have left their land barren in a bid to encourage them to implement smart ways of farming instead of spending through their noses on labour charges.
His stellar contributions to the agriculture sector have not gone unnoticed. Fernandes was recently bestowed with the Star Farmer of Goa award by chief minister Pramod Sawant, a laurel that he most definitely deserved.
The award, however, is just another feather in the cap of a farmer who says he has miles to go before he calls it a day.
