EDITORIAL
Support farm tourism to reconnect with nature and strengthen rural livelihoods
Goa has a growing number of farms, spice plantations and agritourism ventures that welcome visitors. Some offer guided tours, demonstrations of spices and medicinal plants, and a traditional Goan lunch. Birdwatching, farm stays and hands-on experiences are also on offer. The more serious can learn about crops, composting, spices and traditional agricultural practices. This monsoon, it is worth giving some thought to this recent trend.
Farm tours can help urban dwellers reconnect with the origins of their food. Many of us in urban areas buy produce without understanding the effort, time and even the frequent uncertainty involved in growing it. Seeing crops being cultivated gives a glimpse into farming techniques and develops a greater
appreciation for farmers.
Such visits also promote environmental awareness. They can offer lessons in composting, water conservation and organic farming. Plus, they teach the importance of biodiversity. Visitors gain a better understanding of the relationship between agriculture and the environment. Sustainable habits learnt could encourage people to reduce food waste and support eco-friendly farming. Farm tours are equally valuable in preserving cultural and traditional knowledge. Goa’s farms are repositories of indigenous crops, traditional recipes and age-old agricultural practices. Some of these
are rapidly disappearing.
There is also a need to know whether the “exotic” local produce we eat is pro-nature. For example, the edible wild mushrooms, locally called ‘olmi’, are in high demand during the monsoon. In fact, digital media carried photographs yesterday showing the sale of such mushrooms in Dharbandora. They are considered a delicacy. The well-educated also rush to buy bundles of ‘olmi’. The aroma of mushroom xacuti is tempting. But how many of us are aware of the ban imposed by the Forest Department on several species? Last year, the Goa State Biodiversity Board issued an advisory warning against the unrestricted harvesting of seasonal wild mushrooms, saying it posed a major risk to the state’s biodiversity. (At the same time, harvesters say that collecting ‘olmi’ is their livelihood.)
On another level, these visits can foster empathy and strengthen rural-urban connections. Spending time with farming families and hearing their stories can challenge stereotypes about rural life. It can also highlight the economic and social challenges faced by farmers. Such awareness can inspire consumers to support local produce. It teaches us the importance of sustainable agriculture. Without doubt, it could help more people recognise that the well-being of farmers is closely linked to the well-being of society as a whole.
But such initiatives need support. Governments and concerned citizens can do quite a bit here. We need to ensure such work remains sustainable. Rather than merely offering subsidies, the government needs to think of different and more effective farm tourism initiatives. Some steps it could consider include creating an enabling ecosystem. For instance, improving rural roads and signage, simplifying permissions for farm stays and guided visits, and offering training in hospitality and safety standards. Promoting farms through tourism websites and school programmes would not take much effort. Likewise, farmers’ markets could be supported collectively through something like a ‘Goa Farm Trails’ network. Partnerships with schools, colleges and travel operators could bring a steady stream of visitors. Small grants for interpretation centres, toilets or digital booking platforms would make these ventures more viable. The emphasis should be on capacity-building, marketing and infrastructure rather than on one-time financial handouts.
Citizens can promote such initiatives by visiting local farms, sharing their experiences, supporting farm products and encouraging schools and communities to include farm-based learning programmes. Let us appreciate something good that is happening around us and promote it without needless delay.
