CURTORIM: Meet Captain Dronby Fernandes, a spry 74-year-old with a life story that's anything but ordinary. This retired seafarer, who once held prestigious positions like Deputy Captain of Ports in Goa and even steered a maritime college, has swapped his well-deserved retirement for the rugged but rewarding life of a farmer.
Located in the lush landscapes of Curtorim, his ancestral village, Captain Fernandes has sculpted a sustainable farm that's a testament to his unyielding spirit. A tour of his property, which also houses a quaint family-run primary school, is nothing short of an eye-opener.
As you stroll through the sprawling five-acre farm, Captain Fernandes becomes your enthusiastic guide. He proudly introduces you to his eclectic family of goats, exotic chickens, ducks, rabbits, and quails. "It all began with three goats, and now we have a lively troupe of seven. Those little rascals are full of mischief, and my wife Maria and I can't help but be captivated by their antics," he shares with an indulgent grin.
Captain Fernandes has an inventive touch in every corner of his farm. He's designed each enclosure with precision and practicality in mind. The goats, for instance, reside on an elevated slatted platform, ensuring that their droppings conveniently fall to the level below, making cleaning a breeze. Waste not, want not—this adage is evident in his ingenious approach to managing animal waste. The droppings from all his farm residents, whether furry or feathered, are expertly channelled into covered compost heaps. These mounds of organic matter, sourced from the farm's surroundings, swiftly transform into a nutrient-rich elixir that nourishes his crops.
“I run a tight ship when it comes to expenses on my farm. Here, each member of my farmstead sustains and nourishes the other,” Captain Fernandes proudly remarks. He goes on to demonstrate how the
wastewater from his five expansive fish tanks is a precious resource. It irrigates his thriving orchard of fruit-bearing trees, infusing the soil with essential nutrients like sulfur, ammonia, and nitrogen.
Captain Fernandes’ love for farming may have sprouted from his mother's tiny kitchen garden in bustling Bombay during the 1950s. "I grew up amidst the urban hustle and bustle, yet my mother tended to a small oasis—a kitchen garden and a few chickens in our backyard. After decades spent at sea and in various government roles, I've developed a deep appreciation for the tranquility of rural life. I've come to realize that agriculture is my true calling,” he beams, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes.
Following his retirement from the role of Deputy Captain of Ports and special officer for River Navigation in Goa in 2004, Captain Fernandes briefly returned to the sea. He pursued upskilling certification courses and ventured into diverse academic and freelance endeavors. “I even took a short stint on a couple of casino boats on the River Mandovi, though I didn't last very long,” he chuckles. The reason? His unwavering commitment to safety and environmental responsibility didn't quite align with the casino operators’ priorities.
Captain Fernandes is a man of diverse interests. His farm is a canvas for his experiments in agriculture, where he delves into innovative grafting techniques for fruit trees. He's even achieved the seemingly impossible feat of changing the sex of a papaya tree, coaxing it to bear fruit.
Captain Fernandes is heartened by the fact that many young Goans are taking up agriculture in a big way.
“I wish them well, and hope to inspire more people- young and old- to go back to their roots and build sustainable farms that help re-green Goa. We owe it to the future generations,” he signs off.