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Promotes farm stay to bring people close to the nature
Goa might be known for its beaches but these days the agricultural farms are drawing lot of attention for its green space and soothing environment that is source of fresh air. “Tourists visiting the famous Dudhsagar falls in Goa many times used to stop by our plantation for one time meal. However, looking around the plantation many expressed immense interest to know more about farming practices and willingness to stay back. It gave us the idea to start the farm stay as commercial facility for the urbanites who are attracted to greenery just like kids towards chocolates,” shares Mr. Ashok Malkarnekar on the drive to start the agri tourism venture at Dudhsagar Plantation.
The family run plantation is located in South Goa, at the foothills of the Western Ghats. The plantation promises a great experience to live in the property having a vast variety of fruit bearing trees, spices, medicinal plants, herbs and flowers, which altogether form a vibrant tropical garden. Free range chicken and dairy farming are other attractions. “Ours is agricultural based family. My parent Ms. Doris and Mr. Ajit Malkarnekar started this agricultural venture in 1985. Later we started the farm stay facility in 2012,” he adds. The farm spreads in 50 acre area.
There are five independent cottages at Dudhsagar Plantation apt for comfortable stay for five families. The cottages are simple but very comfortable. At the moment the home stay is exclusive to families who are looking for peaceful stay in serene surroundings. It is priced quite reasonable at Rs. 2000/person/day. It includes breaskfast and two meals.
Farming practices are strictly kept chemical free because, “We do not want to hurt our legacy for short term profits. All the gaon crops grow in harmony with nature at our plantation,” he asserts. 10 cows dairy unit fulfills the requirement of manure of the entire farm. In addition, there is a bio gas that provides the cooking fuel as well as the slurry obtained goes back in the soil to replenish the nutrients and minerals. Besides frequently nitrogen fixing plants are grown in the entire farm.
Guests are served traditional vegetarian home cooked food. “Goa cuisine is our specialty. We source all the ingredients from our farm and plantation as far as possible. As we grow organically the flavour of the food is authentic and tasty,” he asserts.
Majority of the guests are fond of the spice cultivation at the Dudhsagar Plantation. Cinnamon, clove, cardamom, chillies and nutmeg are grown in smaller quantities while black pepper is the main commercial crop. The pepper vines grow on coconut and arecanut trees.
Cashew, the most popular dry fruit of Goa state is also grown here. The unique feature of cashew orchard is that it is 100% rain fed. “It is Goa special variety cashew hence it amalgamates well with the climatic conditions. However, the life of tree is between 20-25 years and is vulnerable to some pests. That is why we consciously keep replanting the cashew saplings,” he highlights. December is the flowering season and harvesting is done in May-June. Every alternate day in afternoon the fruits are collected from the ground, washed, dried and then sold to the local cashew cooperatives. “The cooperative then gets the raw cashew nuts processed from the processing units and resell it in the local Goa market. We also let the guests enjoy cashew picking along with their families. It is a unforgettable bonding moments from them!” The byproduct of cashew nuts is local mild alcohol drink popularly called as Pheny. The farm has small distillery where the drink is produced ensuring the quality is best hence it is sold at premium price.
Dudhsagar Plantation gets lot of wild animals during morning hours. Peacocks are very commonly seen that keeps the young guests occupied with visual treat and uncommon experience to spot these animals so closely in an open environment.
“We also have a small dairy processing unit where we make ghee, butter, paneer and buttermilk etc. All these products are open for sale at minimal price for our guests as a token of remembrance. The aroma of these products is alluring for them,” he adds.
With word of mouth publicity and social media the farm stay is getting lot of awareness. “People also connect with us through the website. Rest we also have many repeat guests. They return because they like the homely atmosphere here,” says Mr. Ashok. In future the farm stay would have swimming pool which will be chlorine free. “It will be combined with a pond that would have aquatic plants to clean the water naturally.” Plans are to incorporate educational tours for students to provide them insight into agriculture.
Mr. Ashok concludes, “Farm stay is capital intensive venture that has relatively slow returns but it is an amazing venture to bring happiness and peace to city dwellers. It is little add on financially but when it comes to being instrumental in providing the memorable moments to our guests it is priceless!!”
Contact details:
Dudhsagar Plantation
Karmane Village, Mollem National Park
403410 Goa / India
TEL +91 832 2616231 / +91 976 536 4456 / +91 942 076 6782
E-mail: dudhsagarplantation@gmail.com
Web: http://www.dudhsagarplantation.com/
Goa might be known for its beaches but these days the agricultural farms are drawing lot of attention for its green space and soothing environment that is source of fresh air. “Tourists visiting the famous Dudhsagar falls in Goa many times used to stop by our plantation for one time meal. However, looking around the plantation many expressed immense interest to know more about farming practices and willingness to stay back. It gave us the idea to start the farm stay as commercial facility for the urbanites who are attracted to greenery just like kids towards chocolates,” shares Mr. Ashok Malkarnekar on the drive to start the agri tourism venture at Dudhsagar Plantation.
The family run plantation is located in South Goa, at the foothills of the Western Ghats. The plantation promises a great experience to live in the property having a vast variety of fruit bearing trees, spices, medicinal plants, herbs and flowers, which altogether form a vibrant tropical garden. Free range chicken and dairy farming are other attractions. “Ours is agricultural based family. My parent Ms. Doris and Mr. Ajit Malkarnekar started this agricultural venture in 1985. Later we started the farm stay facility in 2012,” he adds. The farm spreads in 50 acre area.
There are five independent cottages at Dudhsagar Plantation apt for comfortable stay for five families. The cottages are simple but very comfortable. At the moment the home stay is exclusive to families who are looking for peaceful stay in serene surroundings. It is priced quite reasonable at Rs. 2000/person/day. It includes breaskfast and two meals.
Farming practices are strictly kept chemical free because, “We do not want to hurt our legacy for short term profits. All the gaon crops grow in harmony with nature at our plantation,” he asserts. 10 cows dairy unit fulfills the requirement of manure of the entire farm. In addition, there is a bio gas that provides the cooking fuel as well as the slurry obtained goes back in the soil to replenish the nutrients and minerals. Besides frequently nitrogen fixing plants are grown in the entire farm.
Guests are served traditional vegetarian home cooked food. “Goa cuisine is our specialty. We source all the ingredients from our farm and plantation as far as possible. As we grow organically the flavour of the food is authentic and tasty,” he asserts.
Majority of the guests are fond of the spice cultivation at the Dudhsagar Plantation. Cinnamon, clove, cardamom, chillies and nutmeg are grown in smaller quantities while black pepper is the main commercial crop. The pepper vines grow on coconut and arecanut trees.
Cashew, the most popular dry fruit of Goa state is also grown here. The unique feature of cashew orchard is that it is 100% rain fed. “It is Goa special variety cashew hence it amalgamates well with the climatic conditions. However, the life of tree is between 20-25 years and is vulnerable to some pests. That is why we consciously keep replanting the cashew saplings,” he highlights. December is the flowering season and harvesting is done in May-June. Every alternate day in afternoon the fruits are collected from the ground, washed, dried and then sold to the local cashew cooperatives. “The cooperative then gets the raw cashew nuts processed from the processing units and resell it in the local Goa market. We also let the guests enjoy cashew picking along with their families. It is a unforgettable bonding moments from them!” The byproduct of cashew nuts is local mild alcohol drink popularly called as Pheny. The farm has small distillery where the drink is produced ensuring the quality is best hence it is sold at premium price.
Dudhsagar Plantation gets lot of wild animals during morning hours. Peacocks are very commonly seen that keeps the young guests occupied with visual treat and uncommon experience to spot these animals so closely in an open environment.
“We also have a small dairy processing unit where we make ghee, butter, paneer and buttermilk etc. All these products are open for sale at minimal price for our guests as a token of remembrance. The aroma of these products is alluring for them,” he adds.
With word of mouth publicity and social media the farm stay is getting lot of awareness. “People also connect with us through the website. Rest we also have many repeat guests. They return because they like the homely atmosphere here,” says Mr. Ashok. In future the farm stay would have swimming pool which will be chlorine free. “It will be combined with a pond that would have aquatic plants to clean the water naturally.” Plans are to incorporate educational tours for students to provide them insight into agriculture.
Mr. Ashok concludes, “Farm stay is capital intensive venture that has relatively slow returns but it is an amazing venture to bring happiness and peace to city dwellers. It is little add on financially but when it comes to being instrumental in providing the memorable moments to our guests it is priceless!!”
Contact details:
Dudhsagar Plantation
Karmane Village, Mollem National Park
403410 Goa / India
TEL +91 832 2616231 / +91 976 536 4456 / +91 942 076 6782
E-mail: dudhsagarplantation@gmail.com
Web: http://www.dudhsagarplantation.com/