Panaji: For Rahul Dhond, a Shiroda-based farmer, a health setback became the turning point that led him back to the land.After leaving his job in 2024 because of health issues and a slipped disc, he decided to devote himself full-time to farming on his family’s agricultural land.“In the first year, I cultivated less than an acre of land and earned approximately Rs 3 lakh. This year, my income has increased to around Rs 5 lakh,” he told TOI.One factor behind the expansion has been crop diversification. In addition to his earlier cultivation, he introduced cucumber and cluster beans this year, adding to the range of produce grown on his land.He also highlighted the importance of having reliable buyers and favourable rates for his produce. “The assurance of being able to sell the harvest has helped continue investing my time and effort in farming,” he said.He recalled facing difficulties during the initial weeks of his transition to full-time farming and sought guidance on seedlings, pesticides and other farming requirements from the directorate of agriculture. “Agricultural extension services, timely technical advice and access to subsidies helped me sustain the cultivation,” he said.The agriculture department also provided subsidies for irrigation, mulching and other requirements, including support related to organic farming.“Such assistance can help cultivators manage costs and adopt farming practices that might otherwise be difficult to sustain, particularly during the initial stages of expanding cultivation,” he said.Weather conditions remain another consideration. Goa experienced its driest monsoon in 50 years this season, receiving around 80 inches of rainfall between June 1 and Sept 30 against a seasonal average of nearly 118 inches, resulting in an overall deficit of about 32%.“While agriculture continues to involve uncertainties, the decision to return to the land has opened a new chapter in my working life. For me, farming is no longer simply a family tradition; it has become a full-time pursuit and a source of purpose after a difficult period,” he said.
