Incredible success: Apples in Goa, this farmer made the impossible possible

Incredible success: Apple orchards are not often associated with Goa, despite the fact that it is a stunning destination due to its beaches and environment. It is challenging to cultivate certain fruits in the state because of the intense monsoon rains and warm weather, particularly apples, which are often associated with colder climes. Edward Mendes, nevertheless, has succeeded in overcoming this obstacle. Edward has shown that, with ingenuity and persistence, even the unlikeliest crops can be grown in this area by cultivating apples in his Goa garden.

The journey of Edward Mendes

Edward Mendes is a resident of Raia, Goa’s Raicho Ambo (Manora). He started off as a computer engineer in Germany. After that, he moved to Italy and worked for a festival shipping firm, where he was in charge of the whole organization’s computer network. He was successful in the computer industry, but health problems forced him to quit and return to Goa. He saw that a lot of unusual veggies were being brought into Goa rather than being grown there. This realization gave him a newfound passion: using contemporary agricultural methods to raise these veggies locally.

He began writing a book on the growing of exotic vegetables in Goa in 2016. But he was unable to go on because farmers and cooperatives would not back him. Eventually, in 2017, Edward began growing vegetables utilizing hydroponics and aeroponics—techniques that let plants grow without soil—that were not often produced in Goa. Whenever he went to other parts of the globe, he would gather seedlings of unusual crops and bring them back to grow in his garden.

Having grown up with grandparents who worked in agriculture, I was familiar with the fundamentals of farming. Edward considers his move from technology to agriculture. “At first, it was just my passion, but with time and circumstances, I made it my profession,” he says. Edward changed his employment and concentrated on farming because of his background in agriculture and a newfound enthusiasm.

Overcoming the Weather

Inspired by a visit with Hariman Sharma in Himachal Pradesh in 2020, Edward resolved to take on the task of cultivating apples. Apples grown in warmer climates are a specialty of Hariman’s farming operation. After obtaining 200 apple seedlings for tissue culture from Hariman, Edward left for Goa. But the plantation wasn’t simple; he had to overcome several obstacles, mainly because Goa’s high humidity and frequent rains aren’t good for growing apples.

Edward approached these problems creatively in a number of ways. He meticulously trimmed the apple trees to promote greater growth and covered them with plastic to shield them from the rain. The first several years were difficult in spite of these efforts. “I threw away the blossoms and roots after the first year since they weren’t sturdy enough. I lost 35 plants in the third year, but today more than 40 plants are bearing fruit,” Edward proudly says.

An Organic Approach to Growth

Edward’s dedication to organic farming is one of his guiding ideals. “I never worked with inorganic substances. I manufacture my own organic insecticides and fertilizers,” Edward says. To create these goods, he employs organic ingredients, including vermicomposting, neem leaves, and kitchen scraps. This strategy promotes environmental sustainability while also guaranteeing the health of his product.

Edward uses an eco-friendly and productive agricultural strategy. He may maintain a better environment for his plants and manage the quality of his agricultural inputs by producing his own fertilizers and insecticides.

Examining Alternative Crops

Edward’s accomplishments with apples are just a small portion of his larger agricultural adventure. He now grows a wide range of different crops as part of his agricultural endeavors. He cultivates seven types of sweet potatoes and turmeric and is investigating the use of aeroponics for the production of potatoes and berries. His integrated agricultural technique, which incorporates aquaculture and poultry, enables him to minimize waste and make optimum use of resources.

Edward’s inventiveness in farming extends beyond conventional crops. He’s dabbled with processing as well. He has a processing unit built up and plants his own aloe vera. He also grows tapioca, which he utilizes in his pastry. By diversifying, he creates more revenue streams in addition to optimizing the use of his resources.

Information Exchange

Edward has a strong desire to impart his skills and support the next farming generation. He trains young farmers, pushing them to adopt cutting-edge methods and experiment with novel crops. Edward thinks farmers may increase their revenue and production by broadening their perspectives and using contemporary agricultural practices.

“Crop rotation is not a good idea for farmers. If you’re ready to take chances, you can grow any crop,” Edward suggests. He underlines that, with the appropriate strategy and frame of mind, cultivating unusual crops may be successful. Edward’s readiness to impart his knowledge and wisdom aids in the education and development of others in the agricultural community.

Concluding the Expedition

Edward’s adventure is far from over. He intends to establish a tissue culture facility so that he may cultivate an even wider range of crops. His persistent investigation of agricultural advances is indicative of his dedication to expanding the frontiers of farming’s potential.

Goan farmers and others might find inspiration in Edward’s narrative. It proves that even the most difficult agricultural circumstances can be conquered with ingenuity, tenacity, and a readiness to try new things. His accomplishment with the apples in Goa is a perfect illustration of how creative thought combined with diligence can produce amazing results.

“I advise farmers to concentrate on final goods. If you want to make more money, do something else,” Edward advises.

The transformation of Edward Mendes from a computer engineer to a trailblazing apple farmer in Goa is a testament to the strength of ingenuity and perseverance. Through his rejection of conventional farming methods and adoption of innovative approaches, he has revolutionized the agricultural landscape of Goa. His tale is a potent reminder that even the unlikeliest crops may thrive with hard work and imagination.