Mapusa: In the fields of Chivai-Vinorda, Pernem, a quiet revolution is taking root. Ravikant Naik, an educated youth from Pernem, has emerged as the face of the “Swayampurna” (self-reliant) mission in the taluka.Naik has proven that agriculture is not a seasonal gamble and can be a lucrative profession throughout the year.“If we dedicate eight hours to our fields that one would give to a desk job, returns are not just equal—they can be four times higher,” said Naik.This approach has transformed his land into a high-margin business, with support from his wife, Shreya.Naik has managed to bypass middlemen by creating a “farm-to-table” model, and customers visit his fields for fresh produce.Naik said their farming model is based on four principles: seasonal crop rotation, direct sales to consumers, effective use of govt schemes, and a willingness to work hard.During the monsoon, they focus on local vegetables such as okra (bhendi) and ridge gourd (dodka), and watermelon in summer. Interim cultivation of beans (val) and pulses rejuvenates soil fertility while maintaining income by reducing the impact of market price fluctuations and ensuring cash flow.By leveraging subsidies for drip irrigation and modern protective equipment, Naik said he has insulated his livelihood from weather unpredictability.Naik’s success story is an inspiration to the Goan youth to take up agriculture and reduce vegetable imports from Belagavi.Goa produces over 1.1 lakh tons of vegetables annually, covering approximately 8,800 hectares.Recently, he was honoured with the best vegetable farmer award by chief minister Pramod Sawant.
