Chicalim: The Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC), together with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, Goa, and technology partners Anant Solutions and JS Enviro, organized a hands-on awareness programme titled “Hard Water – Smart Solutions” to address persistent hard-water problems affecting local farms. The initiative aimed to equip farmers with practical knowledge on improving irrigation efficiency through modern, eco-friendly water-conditioning systems.
The session, held at the historic Old Church Ruins in Chicalim, drew farmers, students, teachers, and community members eager to learn how mineral scaling in wells, pumps, and pipelines can hinder crop growth and damage irrigation infrastructure. Resource experts Mitelesh Kulkarni and Johnson Fernandez walked participants through the scientific effects of water hardness on soil health and agricultural output.
They introduced an advanced, chemical-free Water Conditioning Device designed to prevent and gradually eliminate mineral deposits using electromagnetic and electronic technology. The presenters highlighted that the system operates without salt, chemicals, or routine maintenance and creates no wastewater, offering a sustainable and economical alternative to traditional water-softening methods.
Fr. Bolmax Pereira, Convener of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, encouraged the adoption of green practices in agriculture and stressed the need for environmentally conscious solutions as Goa faces mounting ecological pressures. Chief Guest Mahesh Kankonkar, AAO at ZAO Mormugao, appreciated the strong participation of students and assured continued institutional support for agricultural innovation and scientific awareness.
The programme saw enthusiastic involvement from several academic institutions, including St Theresa’s High School (Mangor), St Andrew’s Institute (Vasco), Regina Mundi School (Chicalim), St Joseph Vaz College (Cortalim), and the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Khandola). Students described the session as insightful and directly relevant to their academic projects, while educators noted its value in strengthening environmental and experiential learning.
Participants such as Muskan Kumari and Assistant Professor Angela Serrao praised the clarity and real-world applicability of the demonstrations, noting that such initiatives foster responsible water management and deepen community understanding of sustainable farming practices.
Organisers expressed satisfaction with the strong youth engagement, noting that growing student interest in environmental stewardship, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture is a promising sign for Goa’s long-term ecological well-being.