Khola mirchi grows only in Canacona where a typical soil condition is available. Varad tried to do mulching to create similar conditions in his field. Varad who ventured into farming soon after his graduation, seeks guidance and expertise from his farmer father, Naguesh Samant
The prolonged rain witnessed in the State throughout last agricultural season has compelled many farmers in Goa to shift to alternative crops and Varad Samant from Dabal-Dharbandora is not an exception. The only difference is he tried his hands in the systematic plantation of Khola mirchi (with the Geographical Index tag) which is in much demand in the kitchens across Goa. The 30-year-old commerce graduate has also planted ‘red bhendi’ along with carrots, cabbage, green chilli, alsande and watermelon while skipping tomatoes. Varad was the first farmer in Goa who tried to grow carrots in his field and is now taking carrot crop for the past three successive years.
“Carrots require a cool climate but I am lucky to have them grow in Goa. But due to excessive rain, I had to skip tomatoes this time. Instead, I decided to experiment with Canacona famous Khola mirchi which otherwise is only grown in that particular taluka. Pricewise, normal green chilli fetches Rs 40 a kilo while Khola mirchi (when dried) fetches Rs 1500 a kilo. If my experiment succeeds, it will be an ideal example to follow for other farmers across the State of sowing Khola mirchi in their fields and reaping rich profits. There is lot of potential for export too, as this mirchi will be in demand in countries where Goans have settled,” states an ambitious Varad, who was felicitated on Goa Liberation Day last year (December 19) for his extraordinary farming techniques at the hands of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
It was not an easy task for Varad to experiment with Khola mirchi, as the continuous rains did not allow him to sow in Goa. Purchasing one kilo mirchi from Canacona, he first dried it at home and then took the seeds to Belagavi, requesting a farmer to sow them in a protected field. The farmer first refused and discouraged Varad, who insisted. So, he agreed to sow them.
“After a month, I went again to Belagavi and collected 10,000 seedlings from the farmer. Bringing them carefully to Goa, I transplanted them in my field in an acre area. By mulching we placed organic material over the top soil surface to protect it. Now the saplings are one month old and look quite healthy,” says Varad who is keeping his fingers crossed, as this is the first time that he is trying this variety and not sure whether his soil is suited for its growth. “I can’t even guess how much yield it will give,” shares Varad who gets a maximum 25-30 tonnes of regular green chilli per acre. “But even if I get only two tonnes of Khola mirchi, price wise it will turn out to be a profitable venture,” hopes Varad.
Khola mirchi grows only in Canacona where a typical soil condition is available. Varad tried to do mulching to create similar conditions in his field. Varad who ventured into farming soon after his graduation, seeks guidance and expertise from his farmer father, Naguesh Samant. Using organic compost, cow dung and mushroom waste for the soil, he uses a mixture of buttermilk, gomutra and neem oil for top spraying. This year the father-son duo is expecting 60 tonnes of watermelon, 30 tonnes of green chilli, 30 tonnes of cabbage, 5 tonnes of red bhendi and 4 tonnes each of alsande and carrots apart from Khola mirchi.
“As there was too much rain in Karnataka and Maharashtra too, the rates of vegetables will remain high this year,” explains Varad, adding, “The Goa government is offering satisfactory rates to local farmers and this will motivate more farmers to turn to agriculture. Youth in Goa should take up farming, if they have some land which is vacant.”
