With bated breath, Goan fields await the season of cultivation

FARM-READY LAND

These days, Goa’s fields lie silent — fertile and muddy, soaked by the pre-monsoon showers — quietly awaiting the farmer’s touch to begin their seasonal monsoon transformation.

BUILDING BUNDS

Bunds are barriers which were traditionally built to mark land ownership. They also enhance water retention, thus helping to prevent soil erosion.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

To prepare their fields, Goan farmers turn to the traditional grape hoe, or khudol — a time-tested tool that is also efficient in weeding.

ON A ROLE

Traditionally, men handle heavier farming tools, while women use simpler implements, like sickles — indicating that hard, physical work is generally associated with male farmers.

GETTING SET

Rain or shine, these farmers toil tirelessly in flooded paddy fields, clearing the land to sow seeds, while nurturing the promise of a new harvest.

CLEARING WATER CHANNELS

Farmers also take on the task of clearing water channels to enable efficient irrigation, ensuring that fields get the nourishment they require for a bountiful harvest.

MAKING THE CUT

While the land is being prepared for cultivation, the surrounding branches are trimmed and trees are felled to prevent damage to the crops in the fields.

FUTURE OF FARMING

Many Goan farmers express concern that the younger generation lacks interest in farming the fields their ancestors once cultivated, putting the future of agriculture at risk.

LOOKING AHEAD

Goan farmers need support, subsidies and respect rather than mere admiration. It is only then that our fields will continue to flourish.

NEXT: Puran Sheti: The dying agricultural wisdom of Goa