Franky Gracias
Verlem in Netravali, which is situated at a height of around 725 metres, now has three strawberry farms after the inclusion of a new one.
One will have to enter Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary to take the road to Verlem village that is nestled in the Western Ghats in South Goa.
The well-tarred road uphill has a steep gradient with many twists and turns and surrounded by dense forest.
Once in the village, one can enter any farm after paying an entry fee of Rs 20 per person.
...And pick up strawberries with the help of women from self-help groups who work on these farms.
In 2013, Panjim-based Mineral Foundation of Goa (MFG) helped the villagers to come up with the first strawberry farm.
After 2013, many challenges cropped up, prompting the Goa government to form the Atal Gram Development Agency to take forward the strawberry cultivation.
A single box of strawberries is priced at Rs 80.
So, the next time you are in Goa, take the road less travelled to see this red revolution, which has created employment for many women of Verlem village.