ERWIN FONSECA
MAPUSA: Gaspar’s journey in agriculture began under the guidance of his mentor, Lulu, a respected farmer known for selling his produce by bus to Mapusa. Following in Lulu’s footsteps, Gaspar started his own farm and has since become a registered service provider for farmers. His farm is a one-stop hub, offering everything from a nursery to vermi-compost, and he is always ready to lend a hand to fellow farmers.
For years, Gaspar has grown paddy, vegetables, and watermelons with great success, but this year, his marigold cultivation stole the spotlight. “I wanted to try something new and cultivated marigolds in a big way this year,” Gaspar explains. After carefully planning, he travelled to Pune, purchased seeds, and planted them in early August to ensure the flowers would be ready for Dussehra, Diwali, and All Souls’ Day. His 3,000-square-metre plot of marigolds flourished, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike.
“By Dussehra, around 300 people had visited my farm to buy flowers, learn about marigold cultivation, and take selfies,” Gaspar shares with a smile. The response was overwhelming, but what touched him most was the recognition from parents who told their children to look up to him as a role model. “It was deeply satisfying to know that children and parents saw me as a beacon of hope for the younger generation.”
Gaspar believes that for farming to thrive, it must be market-driven and time-bound. “A farmer must understand the market and plan accordingly,” he says. This mindset has allowed him to consistently meet the demands for his produce, whether it’s flowers during festive seasons or vegetables throughout the year.
Despite his success, Gaspar’s goal is not solely financial gain. He wants to show that farming, even on a small scale, can be both rewarding and sustainable. “If each family grows its own vegetables or flowers, we can make Goa self-sufficient,” he emphasizes, encouraging people to take advantage of the agriculture department’s support.
His marigold crop has been a highlight, but Gaspar is already planning for the next season. “After November 2nd, it makes no sense to continue with marigolds, so I’ll clear the soil for
vegetables, which have a high demand,” he says pragmatically.
Gaspar is a strong advocate for modern farming techniques. One such technique, mulching, has attracted attention at his farm. “Mulching helps prevent the flowers from spoiling by keeping them off the ground and controls weeds, reducing labour costs,” he explains. By incorporating modern technology, Gaspar shows that tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to maximize profits and efficiency.
While Gaspar’s farm is a model of success, his mission is far from over. He is passionate about encouraging others to take up farming and believes that the younger generation must continue the legacy.
Sending out a clear message of hope to farmers, Gaspar says that it is very important that a farmer does not give up or gets discouraged because of various factors - one of which could be weather and climate change. “We can never fight natural calamities but we should not give up, as that will mean giving up on food. This present era is a crucial era. If we lose interest in farming now, the next generation won’t take it up, and we’ll be doomed,” he warns. Yet, he remains optimistic about agriculture in Goa. “I see positive signs, and if we continue, we can make Goa less dependent on other States for produce.”
Gaspar Fernandes is more than a successful farmer—he is a role model, a torchbearer for agriculture in Goa, and a symbol of hope for future generations. His story is a reminder that farming, often seen as humble, is vital to our survival and deserves respect, recognition,
and a place in the hearts of the youth.