Strawberry cultivation in Verlem sweetens women farmers' lives

Verlem in Netravali, Sanguem, is setting a trend in strawberry cultivation. If the estimates are to be believed this year, the total turnover is expected to reach around Rs 15 lakh. 

Netravali, which is known for some of its pristine waterfalls that flow throughout the year, is a well-known tourist destination and has a climate suitable for strawberry cultivation.          

This year, four women farmers' groups are involved in the cultivation of strawberries with the help of the Mineral Foundation of Goa, which in 2013 introduced this cool-weather crop in Verlem, situated at a height of around 725 metres.     

Once a backward and forested area, dependent on mining, this village has gained popularity due to its hardworking people. After the Mineral Foundation of Goa introduced the crop in 2013, people started cultivating strawberries.

However, due to economic feasibility, the cultivation came to a standstill. Later, Goa's erstwhile chief minister, the late Manohar Parrikar, relaunched strawberry cultivation under the Atal Gram Yojana scheme.

Expert farmers from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, noted for its strawberry farming, were invited to take soil samples and train farmers in Verlem.

Women self-help groups were imparted training and given special saplings of strawberries. Required irrigation facilities were also provided to them.

Once part of active mining, people in Verlem were dependent only on this activity. After the ban on mining, people started depending on cashew cultivation and farming for their livelihood. Now, strawberry farming has elevated their standard of living.

Nearly 5000 square metres of land was acquired for strawberry cultivation. This year the production is predicted to increase two-fold.

Chairman of Atal Gram Development Agency Subhash Velip said the strawberry cultivation in Verlem is an example of a success story and the four self-help groups need to be commended.  

Vidya Gaonkar said that strawberry cultivation has helped them earn Rs 10-11 lakh within a short time of six months.

"We don’t even have to go to the market to sell strawberries. Tourists, who visit Verlem, buy these on the spot," said Laxmi Goankar, a farmer.