The Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) commenced the paddy plantation in the fields of Chicalim on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day. The event was graced by the presence of South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, Mentor and Botany Professor at St Joseph Vaz College, Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira, Panch Member Roman Vaz, members of Chicalim Youth Farmers Club and villagers of Chicalim.
The plantation began with God’s blessings conducted by Asst. parish priest of Chicalim Fr. Peter Fernandes on the fields, paddy saplings, and the new transplanting machinery. Mr. Greg Fernandes and his team of farmers from Nagoa Agriculture and Art Forum, Nagoa Verna, provided the mechanical support with their two new transplanters.
CYFC has been cultivating the fields of Chicalim for the past four years, starting from 2020, following PM’s Atmnirbhar speech on self-sufficiency.
This year’s plantation faced a huge delay due to heavy rainfall, causing flooding of the fields. Usually, by August, the paddy starts flowering, and the mature paddy crops are cut for the feast of St. Bartolommeo (locally known as Konnsanchem Fest) celebrated on August 24.
Captain Viriato Fernandes enthusiastically drove the transplanter and participated in the farming, highlighting the importance of revival of agriculture, farmers, food security, and self-sufficiency He praised CYFC for reviving and cultivating the fields of Chicalim, which weren’t being cultivated for 25-30 years.
Fr. Bolmax Pereira explained the concept of “Atma Nibhartha” and the 4 pillars of Viksit Bharat – Poor (Garib), Youth (Yuva), Women (Mahila), and Farmers (Anna Daata). He also mentioned the delay in starting paddy cultivation this year due to heavy rainfall and flooding caused by a mismanaged drainage system.
President of CYFC, Mr. Shogun Fernandes explained the working of CYFC and the journey in farming. He stated the difficulties faced by the club due to water logging and flooding of fields and how uncultivated fields were being sought after by real estate builders, leading to degraded groundwater quality and soil pollution.
Mr. Fernandes thanked Captain Viriato Fernandes for his presence and support, urging him to continue raising the voice of local farmers in the Parliament House.
Roman Vaz, a Panch member of Village Panchayat Chicalim, praised the good work done by the youth of Chicalim and highlighted the importance of taking care of the lands and fields of the village “With rapid development turning our land into concrete, we need to ask ourselves – where will our future food come from and what will we eat?” Vaz added. He also mentioned the unique Pond ecosystem of Chicalim Village and the need to address flooding and silting issues.
Mr Greg, the transplanting machinery operator, urged the government and local bodies to maintain the roadside drains well so that young and new farmers turning to agriculture are not discouraged by lack of opportunities and services that the machine operators like him can provide.
Cecilio Nunes, one of the 7 landowners who gave their land to CYFC for cultivation exclaimed “Our family feels happy and excited that the youth did not give up cultivation this year despite the field being flooded due to heavy rains till mid August in Goa.
The event marked a significant step towards self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture, with the community coming together to support the cause.
Chicalim, Goa – August 15, 2024
