Initiative aimed to boost farm productivity
The ‘Hard Water – Smart Solutions’ awareness session was held at the Old Church Ruins, Chicalim.
PANAJI
Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) and the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, in partnership with Anant Solutions and JS Enviro, successfully conducted a transformative presentation on water descaling solutions for farm wells using advanced Water Conditioner Technology.
The special awareness session titled ‘Hard Water – Smart Solutions’, organised at the Old Church Ruins, Chicalim, addressed critical challenges faced by agricultural communities due to hard water deposits and scaling in well systems.
The session brought together farming stakeholders to understand and adopt modern water conditioning solutions that enhance farm productivity and reduce operational costs.
Resource persons Mitelesh Kulkarni and Johnson Fernandez delivered insightful presentations on the effects of water hardness on soil, crops, and irrigation systems.
The speakers also introduced an innovative chemical-free Water Conditioning Device designed to address hard water challenges commonly faced in farm wells and irrigation systems.
Using advanced electromagnetic and electronic technology, the device alters the behaviour of minerals like calcium and magnesium so they do not form hard scale inside pipelines, pumps, and sprinklers.
It not only prevents new scaling but also gradually clears existing deposits, improving water flow and irrigation efficiency.
Unlike traditional softeners, the device requires no salt, no chemicals, no maintenance, and causes zero water wastage—making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Its simple installation and long warranty make it a reliable solution for farmers looking to reduce equipment damage and enhance crop performance through better-quality water.
Fr Bolmax Pereira, Convener of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, encouraged participants to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable water practices for the benefit of both agriculture and the environment.
Chief guest Mahesh Kankonkar, AAO at ZAO Mormugao, expressed his happiness to see young students engaging in scientific agricultural practices and assured full support from ZAO Mormugao.
The session saw enthusiastic participation from local farmers, students, and faculty from St Theresa’s High School (Mangor), St Andrew’s Institute (Vasco), Regina Mundi School (Chicalim), St Joseph Vaz College (Cortalim), and Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Khandola).
Students shared positive feedback, expressing that the session was “eye-opening,” “very useful for our science projects,” and “helpful in understanding real-life applications of classroom concepts.”
Several teachers also noted that they plan to integrate the topic into upcoming school activities and project-based learning.
Muskan Kumari, a student of the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, appreciated the programme, describing it as “very informative and well conducted.”
Angela Serrao, Assistant Professor in Chemistry at St Joseph Vaz College, described the expert session as “exceptional, providing highly relevant and actionable steps for community sustainability.”
She commended CYFC for their foresight and commitment, stating that the club is “setting a gold standard for youth engagement and environmental stewardship through practical, scientific-based sessions.”
