By Father Johnson Kshirsagar & Anto Thomas for BISmumbai

Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS) Walvanda motivated young farmers to start Papaya cultivation as an additional livelihood opportunity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BSVS team assessed the situation and followed it up with meetings in various villages with young farmers and imparted knowledge on cultivation, caring for and marketing of Papaya.

A majority of Indian farmers grow the ‘Taiwan 786’ papaya, due to its exceptional quality and long shelf life. The plant takes only 08 months to fruit, with the total yield reaching 60 kg per plant. The pear-shaped, yellow coloured fruit remains in excellent condition, 15 days from harvest. These fruits are sold in between Rs. 40-50 per kg. A tree can provide fruits for two years.

20 young farmers from villages in the BSVS neighbourhood expressed anr interest to start the papaya cultivation. BSVS facilitated the purchase and distribution of ‘Taiwan 786’ saplings to these youth. Father Anaclete D’Mello, Rector BSVS procured 1000 saplings from a nursery at Nasik, and distributed these in the presence of Father Monty Rodrigues and Father Johnson Kshirsagar. BSVS team is to visit these farmers for continuous guidance and follow-up.