As part of the academic curriculum requirement for the semester II Botany (SEC) course in Nursery & Gardening, a field study trip was organized for 23 F.Y. B.Sc. Botany students to RasRaj Goa Farms, Mollem on 28th March, 2025. Faculty members Dr. Kim Rodrigues and Ms. Pratiksha Dabolkar accompanied the students for the field study trip during which theoretical aspects of routine operations in plant nursery management and gardening were correlated with field observation.
RasRaj Goa Farms is owned by Mr. Vandit Naik and Mrs. Priyanka Naik, both agriculture graduates from Don Bosco College of Agriculture, Sulcorna. Mr. Vandit Naik bagged the highest state award of the Goa state government for farmers – the Krishi Ratna Award for the year 2021 for his innovative efforts towards sustainable agriculture. The couple also work as agriculture consultants and give lectures and motivational talks to encourage more youth to join agriculture as agriculturists cum agri-entrepreneurs.
Mr. Vandit Naik explained the concept of integrated farming practiced in their farm which combines cultivation of plants, animal husbandry and vermicomposting to create a balanced, self-sustaining eco-friendly farming system. Students were guided through the steps involved in preparing vermicompost i.e. creating a layered environment to facilitate efficient decomposition, ensuring proper moisture and temperature for optimal earthworm activity. The farm owners also produce a liquid manure called ‘Panchgavya’ which is made from five products from the cow, namely, cow milk, cow dung, cow urine, curd and desi ghee that acts as a very good immunity booster and plant growth promoter. Students also observed a variety of plants such as wild turmeric, spice plant, bush pepper, pomelo, areca nut, avocado, nutmeg, peanut butter, etc. Mr. Vandit Naik also explained about beekeeping to the students.
Students gained valuable insights on sustainable agricultural practices emphasizing the importance of integrated farming methods to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Students were later guided to prepare a report with respect to various aspects of plant nursery management and gardening observed during the field study trip.