by Smt. Gauri Prabhudessai, ZAO, Sanguem
(edited by Janhavi Savaikar, IA, DIP)
Lockdown is not new to this remote hamlet of Salgini in Sanguem taluka. Tucked deep inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, located at an altitude of 1400ft above sea level, 25 odd tribal inhabitant families are confined to their dwellings during most of the monsoon, thanks to torrential rain it receives.
They say, adversity causes some to break and others to break the records. At a time when the pandemic had almost put the state to a halt, these tribal farmers of Salgini were busy reaping the rich harvest of hardship. When the supply of the essential commodities imported got uncertain, the Salgini folks supplied over nine tonnes of fresh & organic vegetables to the people of Sanguem Taluka through the Goa State Horticulture Corporation’s outlets and are still continuing.
With less than 1/2 acre of land on which they grew paddy and millets, Veggies were introduced by the Agriculture Department. Salgini is not like an average village. With sheer determination, untiring efforts and equanimity since past four years have brought cheering results.
Making a livelihood in wildlife Conservation area with improper road access and communication is a challenge. Salgini remains isolated during the rainy season practicing paddy and millets until the Department of Agriculture intervened four years back. Initially, there was mind-block among the villagers. However, our officers built a good rapport with them, counseled them, had lunch dates to make them feel one with us.
After a couple of training sessions, SRI technique for paddy was introduced. As they gained confidence, the officials trained them to make their own vermin-compost. Today, each household make their own vermin-compost to use in their farms. After this successful experiment, the vegetable plantation was introduced and since then, there is no looking back. In the past four months, Salgini farmers have made decent earnings of Rs. 4 lakhs on vegetable sale and another Rs. 3 lakhs by selling Cashewnut. Vegetables like Pumpkins, Gourds, Okra, Tomatoes, onions were grown along with a conserved breed of brinjal and Knolkhol (gaddo/naab). They have also harvested 10 tonnes of paddy for self-consumption. Besides, the womenfolk have stored processed kokum, Attam (Otam) fruits and local red chili for the monsoon.
Currently, paddy and local millet is on their list. Department of Agriculture has plans to supply Basmati seeds to them, considering the climate.
One of the elderly villagers, Shri. Ashok Velip reminisces the teachings of his ancestors. “Our forefathers said, out of the total produce, we have right on just on 1/10th of it. The rest of the produce, we must offer to those in need. Nature has given us everything in abundance. On our beautiful spring, colorful butterflies and birds are regular visitors; wild bison, porcupines, cobras, bears, leopards and Panthers live in harmony. The Medicinal plants are our doctor. It is our responsibility to preserve this biodiversity, peace and prosperity of this village. With various new training programs by the Government, we are now learning new techniques.”
The farmer of Salgini is a motivation for other farmer fraternity for sure. They also motivate us to work. Salute to their zeal, hospitality and perseverance. They are indeed the Super farmers of the Sanguem zone.
