MARGAO: The initiative to revive an abandoned paddy field, dormant for nearly four decades, has sparked renewed enthusiasm among the parishioners, particularly the youth, of Our Lady of Monserrate Chapel in Manora-Raia. This year marks the fourth season of cultivating the once-neglected land, led by Chaplain Fr Cristo Pinto.
In July 2021, under Fr Pinto's leadership, the barren land was first cultivated, marking a significant milestone for the chapel. This pioneering effort not only revitalized the neglected land but also set a precedent for several other churches across Goa. This season, over a thousand square metres of land will be cultivated.
Fr Pinto emphasised the importance of safeguarding the environment and cherishing the natural world created by God. "For the first time, we cultivated the barren land - not for profit, but out of respect for the God-given gift of nature and the environment. It's unfair to leave fertile land unused, so we took the initiative to cultivate it. Today, we've observed not only parishioners but also the youth of Manora expressing their love and interest in agriculture," Fr Pinto stated.
Fr Pinto's primary goal is to inspire parishioners and attract more youth towards agriculture, fostering a renewed appreciation for farming practices. He expressed a desire for the youth to learn the importance of agriculture and the hard work of farmers.
Cosia Oliveira, a youth from Manora, shared her experiences with O Heraldo. "Initially, I was a little hesitant when Fr Pinto explained his plans to cultivate the land; however, things have changed a lot since then. According to me, cultivating agricultural land is a small step towards protecting our environment," she said.
Menino Quadros, a parishioner, praised the efforts of Fr Pinto and the youth, and appealed to members of other churches to follow Manora's example and take steps to cultivate the land owned by their churches. "As a result of youth migrating abroad, agricultural lands have been left abandoned in many places. However, many fail to understand that it is our duty to protect agricultural land and earn a livelihood from it. There are numerous people who own agricultural land but have no one to cultivate it," he stated. He added, "Let this serve as a new example for the youth of other parishes in Goa."