VASCO
Velsao witnessed a revival of traditional farming on Monday afternoon as members of the Pale Tole Xetakaranche Association (PTXA) cultivated several long-abandoned ancestral farmlands.
In a scene that evoked nostalgia and community spirit, numerous traditional workers dressed in farming attire braved heavy rain and began sowing paddy by hand, deliberately avoiding mechanised equipment.
The once barren landscape quickly transformed into a lush green field.
Speaking to reporters, PTXA president Roquezinho D’Souza called upon the youth to embrace traditional agriculture and reconnect with their roots.
“This is our ancestral farmland belonging to my mother, and I decided to bring my son Jim D’Souza, who is also a Velsao panch member, into the fields. My grandmother used to bring me here, and it fills me with joy to return and cultivate this land,” he said.
D’Souza added that the main goal of the initiative was to motivate youth towards agriculture, which he said could lead to self-reliance, healthy food and a steady income.
“The government is offering equipment, incentives and schemes. Young people must take advantage of these and consider careers like agricultural officer or engineer. Reviving agriculture in Goa will not only enrich our environment but also provide self-employment,” he said.
Panch member Jim D’Souza echoed the sentiments, saying memories of his childhood had inspired him to reclaim the land.
“This was my grandmother’s field. I remember playing in piles of rice at home. We used to store and process grain ourselves. We had handed this field over to someone, but after her passing, it was abandoned and spoiled. Talking about these memories at home made me want to revive it, and my father supported me,” he said.
He added that friends and neighbours also pitched in, helping him cultivate three ancestral fields.
“Two neighbours gave me their fields, and a friend from Utorda arranged 18 traditional workers for us to begin. However, traditional labour is hard to find these days. Some fields can’t accommodate machines due to excess water and muck,” he explained.
Jim urged Goan youth to take responsibility for their ancestral properties.
“You can earn a good income and become self-sufficient through agriculture. It’s time we bring life back to our land,” he concluded.
