by Father Johnson Kshirsagar for BISMumbai

Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS) Walvanda, mentored 20 young farmers to start tomato and chilly cultivation as an additional livelihood opportunity, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. BSVS procured and distributed 6,000 tomato and chilly saplings from a nursery at Vikramgad as initial hand-holding.

Through meetings and training sessions, BSVS team facilitated the knowledge-transmission on cultivation, care for and marketing of tomatoes and chillies. This was done after an 'expression of interest' from the young farmers of the neighbouring villages.

BSVS Director-Father Anaclete D’Mello said, "BSVS is constantly looking for innovative ways to mentor the young farmers of the neighbourhood. This is one such initiative. We will visit these farmers for continued assistance and follow-up."