THURSDAY, JULY 04, 2024
ERWIN FONSECA
SIOLIM: Despite a demanding career in civil engineering, Dinesh was deeply concerned about the neglected farmlands and the declining interest in agriculture among Goans. Motivated by the government’s push for mechanised agriculture, Dinesh took the plunge into the agricultural sector in 2014. He brought together farmers from Chicalim- Colvale, Maina-Sodiem in Siolim and Camurlim, forming a mechanical farming association.
“It was not at all easy. We had our own share of troubles and disappointments, but we were determined,” says Dinesh. He and his group invested in tractors and began farming in an advanced mechanical way, helping many farmers plough their fallow land and enabling them to cultivate once again.
One of the major milestones for Dinesh and his association was the cultivation of 40,000 square meters in Nachinola in 2017. This success helped to increase their popularity and credibility among local farmers. In 2018, Dinesh’s
efforts were recognised by the Agriculture Department, which registered him as a service provider under Modern Cultivation Technology.
Dinesh credits the support of agriculture officials and the Mechanical Cultivation Office, led by MCO Satish Kerkar, for their backing. “Agriculture should be mechanised in keeping with modern times. We in Goa have small landholdings and high labour costs. Through Modern Cultivation Technology, we try to reach out to farmers, enabling them to plough their land, treat the soil, and do transplanting,” explains Dinesh. Although harvesting is not part of their services, they assist farmers in coordinating with the zonal office for harvesting needs. The services are not limited to paddy; they also cater to those interested in growing vegetables.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. Dinesh highlights the rising costs that burden farmers, such as the increased price of paddy seeds from Rs 425/kg to Rs 725/kg, which can deter farmers from cultivating paddy.
He believes that financial assistance from the government is crucial to making farming attractive and profitable.
Dinesh’s efforts have led to increased interest in farming among Goan farmers. He
emphasises the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, encouraging them to use modern technology and innovations to upgrade farming practices.
Dinesh recalls two major projects that stand out: cultivating five lakh square meters at St Estevam, which took almost 15 days of intense work, and a 16-hectare project in Mayem. These projects required meticulous planning, early starts, and battling harsh weather conditions. “Today, modern cultivation technology has been creating waves in many villages of Bardez , and slowly also establishing their footprints in Tiswadi and South Goa,” says Dinesh, who is committed to helping Goa’s farmers cultivate their fields with dedication and precision, sticking to a strict schedule that ensures timely results. “Bookings are planned meticulously, and our schedule is non-negotiable - every activity is executed on the designated day, no postponements, to ensure farmers reap benefits at the right time,” he explains.
