55 students transplant paddy across 1,200sqm

Panaji: Earlier this month, 55 students from two schools and a college in Mormugao rolled up their sleeves and successfully planted paddy saplings across 1,200sqm of farmland using the ‘system of rice intensification’ (SRI) technique. Spearheaded by the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC), the initiative saw the participation of students from Regina Mundi High School, Navy Children High School, and MES College, Vasco.Known to produce better yield, the SRI technique also ensures efficient use of water and good soil health, said Mormugao zonal agriculture officer Nilesh Vaigankar. It involves planting younger seedlings — which have more potential for growth — in wider, grid-like spaces to avoid transplant shock and to reduce the need for constant irrigation. A key feature of the method is the use of organic fertilisers, which helps improve long term soil fertility.Rhesa D’Souza, a student of the eco club of Regina Mundi School, Chicalim, said she and her peers were happy to work in the field and learn something new. They were introduced to concepts like germination and types of paddy cultivation, and were told about the contrast between mechanised and traditional methods of farming by CYFC mentor, Fr Bolmax Pereira. South Goa MP, Capt Viriato Fernandes, also joined the students in the field and emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering a sense of responsibility and connection with the land. “This was a great opportunity. Our students learnt the new skill of transplanting and are definitely going to come back for the harvest as well,” said Sneha Mayenkar, a teacher at NCS, Chicalim.The day concluded with a traditional Goan meal comprising rice kanjee (pez), pickle, and dry salted fish, which was served to all participants.