In the quiet village of Palyem, Pernem, Goa, a quiet revolution is underway. While many young Goans are drawn to cities and more lucrative careers, two brothers, Salil and Sanish, are bucking the trend. They are actively involved in supporting their mother, Sampada Tari, in transforming their traditional agricultural business into a thriving floriculture nursery. This family’s journey offers a compelling narrative about the potential of traditional occupations and the importance of preserving agricultural heritage.
Sampada’s story begins with a humble start. She has always been a farmer, growing and selling chilly saplings, osanne, coconuts, and coconut oil. Her business was modest, catering to local villagers and those from nearby Arambol. However, her life took a significant turn when she collaborated with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA). This initiative provided financial support for farmers, encouraging Sampada to expand her operations. She began selling marigold saplings on a larger scale, but her ambitions did not stop there.
A casual suggestion from her former ATMA director, Mr. Paranjape, sparked a new idea. He advised Sampada to gift flower pots to women attending the Haldi-Kumkum ceremony. This simple idea ignited a passion within her, leading to the development of a full-fledged floriculture nursery. Today, her nursery supplies a variety of plants, including flowering plants, ornamental plants, spices, and fruit-bearing plants.
Sanish, one of Sampada’s sons, has embraced agriculture and floriculture despite his academic background. He believes that education should complement tradition, not replace it. “Education teaches us to live in harmony with nature. Ever since I was a child, I have watched my mother care for these saplings, and she has never regretted it. There is good income in this field, yet most Goans are turning away from it. If non-Goans, with limited knowledge of plant science, can successfully run nurseries in Goa, why should we Goans lag behind?” he questions.
Sampada’s nursery has become a hub for plant enthusiasts, attracting customers from far and wide. The demand for her plants has grown tremendously, leading her to source plants from regions like Pune and Kolhapur. Some plants are grafted and germinated at home, ensuring high-quality stock. “We often have so many customers that we don’t even get time for lunch. People come from far and wide to buy our plants,” says Sampada.
The impact of Sampada’s work extends beyond her household. She has inspired neighbours and local children to take an interest in agriculture. “When I put different seeds to germinate, the neighbourhood children join me. This small activity helps them develop a love for plants. It’s important to involve the next generation, or else these traditions will disappear,” she explains.
Sampada’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and the potential of traditional occupations to evolve into successful enterprises. As she continues to expand her nursery, she hopes that more Goan youth will embrace agriculture instead of abandoning it. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those who believe in the value of preserving cultural heritage and the importance of sustainable livelihoods.
