Srikant Gawas proves that persistence pays off, as he now makes a decent living from his green yield
Picturethis. A “farmer” from Satarri drawing buckets of water from the local river,with his wife and two sons, and carrying them to the nearby mountains to waterthem.
Soon thewater acted on the 5500 cucumber saplings planted on the barren mountains andcovered them. This little piece of agricultural brilliance in the village ofShigne, 13 kilometers from Valpoi, has given Srikant Gawas one of the bestyields of cucumber in Goa.
Gawas lives in a mud house and his cucumberplantation is 500 meters away from his house. He harvested his crop in June totake advantage of the high demand and earn a good price. He harvests about500-800 cucumbers a day. Due to the high gradient soil of Sattari the taste ofthe cucumbers are very good. It is sold at Rs 5 in the wholesale market and retailsat Rs 8. His children who study in school and college make it a point to work inthe field. The field after all holds the key to a good future.
His work hasbrought him respect. Anant Hoble, zonalagriculture officer said “His work is famous in the agriculture sector here. Hisinitiative in watering the plantation in May was appreciated. Other farmershere should emulate his hard work policy. Good quality seedlings are providedby the zonal agriculture office Valpoi resulting in a high yield ofcucumber.
When askedif Srikant was applicable for any government scheme, Hoble said “We providedvery good quality seedlings and can give pesticide free of cost if necessary”. ButSrikant Gawas has sowed much more than cucumber seeds. He has sown hope for greateragricultural initiatives in Goa.
