Navhind Times

Panaji, Jun 19: Nestled in the lap of nature, some 40 km south of Sanvordem, lies the hallowed hamlet named Netravalim. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, the villagers here are seen struggling to keep pace with development.

However, a handful of new generation entrepreneurs have come up with some novel ideas in an attempt to grab a prominent spot on the tourism map of Goa.One of them is a 30-year-old commerce graduate, Chinmay Tamshikar, who owns a spice garden and orchard plantation. Adventure sports coupled with eco-tourism, makes the tourist fall in love with this place.

“I followed in the footsteps of my late father who died while I was doing my graduation. So, I had no option but to abandon my plans of studying law and devote my time in looking after the coconut and betel nut plantation that my father had developed,” explains Chinmay, enthusiastically. That was nearly 10 years ago. Since then, he has made great strides in this ‘green revolution’.

Was it a forced foray into agriculture to look after the family after his father’s death? Absolutely not, he avers. “In fact, I had a dream of making it big in any vocation I chose. And I realised that if one had the temperament and the skills, one could achieve big success even in agro ventures. One need not necessarily have tonne of money and fantasy degrees to boast. Your will to succeed in the face of all odds is what counts.”

Realising that traditional methods of agriculture were no longer profitable, Chinmay devised ways and means of low-cost farming and irrigation. Being a commerce graduate, he was adept at figures. However, sans any formal training in agriculture, Chinmay was quick to identify his challenges. He acknowledges the invaluable guidance he has received from various quarters.

“My aunt, Ms Bhate from Narve, who is one of the leading betel nut growers in Goa, taught me the nitty-gritties of plantation. I also learnt the modern methods of plantation from M/s Madgaonkar Farms at Mollem and from one Mr Shaikh from Sirsi, Karnataka,” he says.

One can find all types of spices, local as well as exotic variety, grown in this garden. As the land is most suitable for the cultivation of these spices, a rich crop is reaped. As for some variety of spices, where land requirement is different, special arrangements are made like special drainage system, temperature control, moisture maintenance etc.

The latest addition to the spice garden is the vanilla plantation that was started a couple of years back.

“I brought vanilla saplings (creeper cuttings measuring 1 metre in length) from Sirsi in Karnataka on a trial basis and was overwhelmed to see a rich reap of vanilla pods in six months time,” says the agro-entrepreneur, a coy smile playing on his face.

Since then, it was no looking back for Chinmay, who has already received advance orders for vanilla pods from overseas customers. His vanilla plantation now spreads over an area of 3 acres in the 40 acre farm which largely consists of coconut, betel nut, plantain, papaya and pineapple plantations. Nevertheless, the unassuming young enterpriser, has no problem in acknowledging his gratitude to his mentor, Madhav Sahakari, proprietor of Sahakari Farms, for providing guidance in this vanilla venture.

People from European countries like England, France, Italy, Germany and also from Australia, have visited the Tanshikar Farm, besides Goan and Indian tourists. In order to make his guests’ stay comfortable, he started a rest house, complete with a restaurant and cottage accommodation. A badminton court and a water fountain adds to the ambience of the scenic place.

“During the peak season, we put up huts in the farm. Desi as well as videsi tourists take delight in staying in these eco-friendly abodes,” explains Chinmay.

The restaurant is run by a local youth who serves purely Goan food, veg as well as non-veg. “We could have managed the restaurant on our own. But, I believe that locals should benefit the most from eco-tourism ventures. So, I let a local youth from this village look after the restaurant.

“Besides, this venture indirectly provides employment to local motorcycle riders (better known in Goa as pilots) to convey the tourists here, as public transport here is scarce. Apart from that, local lads also benefit monetarily by serving as tourist guides which we provide to our guests on sight seeing yours. Add to that, about 10 labourers are permanently employed to tend to the farm. Additional labourers are employed during the season,” says Chinmay, who has recently tied the nuptial knot.

“My wife also helps me in plantation activities. My mother and uncle also share the management chores,” he says.

Bubbling with novel ideas, he has very recently forayed into adventure tourism in order to provide value-added services to his eco-tourism venture. Rock climbing and upsailing at the nearby waterfalls form the major adventure events. The three beautiful waterfalls, Savari, Mainapi and Sonala that rhythmically cascade down into the river, bewitchingly invites the onlooker. A French national, Emanuel, an avid rock climber who visited his farm, advised him about adventure excursions and the idea took off from there.

Emanuel comes here every year and stays for six months to guide lovers of nature in various adventure excursions. It’s a marvelous sight to watch these waterfalls during monsoons. However, as the river is in full flow during the rains, adventure excursions are conducted from November to April. And all this is easy on the budget, too. We have a package offer ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3000 depending upon the tourists’ choice of events, that also includes a welcome drink and lunch,’’ informs Chinmay, who has also formed a club for nature lovers, named as Goa Jungle Adventure.

What is next on the eco-tourism front? “Well, I have plans to have a resort-like place in this area that will offer a complete holiday package to visiting tourists. I also have plans to start a food processing industry in the locality.”

As a new generation entrepreneur who has ventured into this venture, he has had his share of woes, too. According to him, one of the major reasons why youth shun away from agriculture is because of unavailability of large amounts of land for plantation. He suggests that the government should make available cultivable Communidade lands for this purpose.

“I’m in search of 15-20 acres of land for pineapple cultivation for the last several years, but unable to get such tracts. Even if the government leases out such land, it will do a world of good for agro-venture entrepreneurs.”

Any advice for budding agro-enthusiasts? “Don’t tarnish the image of Goan agriculturists who have earned a reputation by the sweat of their brow, by your own mismanagement. Don’t go after a wild goose chase. Start with smaller areas, and increase your cultivation as you prosper.

A visit to this farm is indeed an invigorating experience. A ride on a motorbike will add to the thrill of your journey as you will be able to trek all the unmotorable roads that lead you to places of historical and archaeological importance. You are sure to come across numerous ‘protected sites’ that dot the village. And, finally, a welcome drink at the ever-hospitable Tanshikar’s, consisting of tender coconut water or freshly made pineapple juice, is sure to tingle your nerves.

Tango!