Citizens and farmers join for lunch as part of the celebration hosted by the farmers of Loutolim to celebrate the GI tag for Korgut rice. (Right) 96-year-old farmer Domingo Costa honoured at the event.
MARGAO
Hundreds of farmers and local residents from Loutolim and nearby villages came together on Sunday to celebrate a significant milestone—the Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to the traditional Korgut rice.
The event, held under the banner Lotleche Korgut Xetkamteacho Utsav, turned into a vibrant showcase of Goa’s rich agrarian heritage, highlighting age-old cultivation practices preserved in the region’s unique khazan fields.
Organised by five tenants’ associations under the umbrella of the Goa Local Paddy Cultivators Association, the festival drew a crowd of over 700 people, reflecting strong community participation and growing awareness about the importance of indigenous farming traditions.
The highlight of the celebration was a live demonstration of the entire Korgut rice cultivation cycle. Farmers meticulously recreated each stage—from preparing the saline-resistant khazan fields and sowing sprouted seeds, to harvesting, threshing, and processing the paddy into rice using traditional methods. Implements and utensils once central to agrarian life, including the kodo and earthen pots, were displayed, offering visitors a rare glimpse into practices that have sustained generations.
Association president Alberto Pinheiro expressed satisfaction at the enthusiastic response, particularly from younger attendees. He noted that the demonstrations helped bridge the gap between generations, sparking curiosity and appreciation for sustainable, traditional farming methods among the youth.
Adding to the spirit of the occasion, Fr Bolmax Pereira attended the event along with members of the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club, commending the farming community for its resilience and commitment to preserving Goa’s agricultural legacy.
Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party chief Vijay Sardessai, who also participated in the festivities, lauded the farmers of Loutolim for safeguarding the fragile khazan ecosystems inherited from their ancestors. However, he raised concerns about developmental pressures, pointing to the proposed Borim bridge project, which he claimed could threaten these ecologically sensitive fields.
Zonal Agriculture Officer Sheriff Furtado visited all the stalls depicting the ancient methods and had a word of encouragement.
Among the guest were Suresh Kunkolikar principal of the Goa Agriculture College and also Nelson Figueiredo, Retd Director of Agriculture.
The utsav was organised by the five tenants’ associations of the khazan paddy fields of Loutolim.
On the occasion, the senior most farmers and the junior cultivators were honoured with a certificate and memento.
The event was guided by Deepak Parab nodal officer of the Department of Science and Technology.
Present for the celebration as the senior most farmer Domingo Costa, aged 96 years and Zaivanta Ganes Naique, aged 84 years.
Loutolim Agriculturist Mathew Oliveira made all the antique items available.
Fr Simon Fernandes was the chief guest and Fr Daryel Dias the guest of honour.
