ERWIN FONSECA
ASSAGAO: Goa is blessed with good weather and diverse flora and fauna. For many Goans, this abundance often goes unnoticed as a natural part of life. Tourists flock to Goa to admire its unique beauty and culture, yet few locals make the best use of these resources.
Israeli national Nyima Ohana, currently residing in Goa, is on a mission to change this. With 20 years of experience in agricultural farms across Canada, Israel, and India, she is a botany expert specialising in permaculture, medicinal farming, and industrial agriculture. Her passion lies in encouraging people to produce their own vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.
Nyima, who is also a pet groomer and floral designer, creates mesmerising bouquets using local flowers. “Wherever I’ve travelled or worked, I’ve always tried to spread the message of loving your environment and using resources wisely. Goa’s tropical climate supports the growth of diverse plants, yet it’s disheartening to see people not fully utilising their land,” she says.
Nyima believes that every region should embrace its natural produce, rather than forcing unsuitable crops to grow. “Each State in India has a unique climate, culture, and lifestyle. People should be content with what grows naturally in their region and focus on building a market for it. Chasing crops that don’t suit the climate often isn’t viable,” she explains.
Currently, Nyima is working with floral gardens in Assagao and Siolim, collecting local flowers for her bouquets. She highlights that flowers like heliconias, sunflowers, ginger flowers, and orchids thrive in Goa and make excellent, long-lasting bouquets. “It’s sad to see people buying bouquets made with flowers transported from Bangalore. These flowers often lose their freshness in a day or two. Why not use our beautiful, locally grown flowers that last much longer?” she asks.
She is delighted to see some farmers in Assagao and Siolim promoting floriculture but feels that more should follow their lead. “Floriculture has immense potential. It’s a profitable venture, and with proper encouragement, more people can adopt it,” Nyima says.
Nyima is deeply concerned about the increasing sale of agricultural land and the rise of large constructions in Goa. “The loss of gardens and green spaces to buildings is a worrying trend. Such developments could spell doom for Goa in the long run. Agriculture, floriculture, and horticulture are our future. Growing your own vegetables and seeing flowers bloom in your backyard is both rewarding and fulfilling,” she says.
Her bouquets, made entirely with local flowers, have become highly sought-after. “Once people see my bouquets, they are captivated and immediately place repeat orders. Floral designing is deeply satisfying—it’s like communicating with flowers and giving them a personal touch. It’s therapeutic and inspiring,” she adds.
Nyima regularly visits local farms and is eager to collaborate with more farmers to expand the variety of flowers for her creations. She emphasises the importance of supporting local farmers. “The State’s economy should rely on its own farmers, not on those from other States. Promoting and encouraging local farmers is essential. If Goan farmers take floriculture seriously, Goa can achieve self-sufficiency in this sector,” she asserts.
Nyima Ohana’s work is a reminder that Goa’s natural resources, when used wisely, can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. Her efforts to inspire locals to embrace floriculture reflect her belief in the transformative power of nurturing the environment.