Having a field day with paddy cultivation in Goa’s Chicalim

LEARNING BY DOING

The Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC), recently initiated a 'Paddy Cultivation Activity' to foster hands-on agricultural learning among students.

ON THE FIELD

The initiative saw 55 enthusiastic students from Regina Mundi High School (Chicalim), Navy Children High School (Dabolim), and MES College (Vasco) accompanied by their faculty.

GETTING STARTED

At the introductory session, CYFC mentor, Fr Bolmax Pereira, highlighted the need for youth participation in agriculture, and explained key concepts like germination, paddy cultivation, mechanised and traditional methods.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Experts from the Department of Agriculture led an interactive session on sustainable farming, after which students got into the field, guided by the CYFC team, and planted paddy using the SRI method across 1,200 sq m of land.

LEARNING ON THE JOB

The event ended on a high note with students and teachers thanking CYFC and Fr Bolmax for the opportunity to learn the new skill of transplanting, and participate in it.

LIFE LESSONS

This experience went past lessons in agriculture, inspiring a bond with nature, a sense of responsibility, and joy through active participation.

A TASTE OF GOA

The day wrapped up with a traditional Goan meal of rice kanji (pez), pickle and dry salted fish. So, the next time you're in Goa in the monsoons, don't forget to check out the activities in Goa's beautiful paddy fields.

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