Saltrice Experimentation

Goa has a long history of cultivating rice and salt crops. However, with the migration of young people to major cities and changing climate conditions, agricultural lands are gradually being abandoned. Many fields are currently left unused due to the presence of brackish water, and bunds and reservoirs are not functioning properly. To revive Goa's agricultural culture, known as "commons," it is essential to reclaim the abandoned farmlands and provide new sources of income. To achieve this, I propose adopting the Saltrice (Seawater Rice) method. Saltrice was discovered by Professor Chen Risheng in China in 1986 and has been applied to actual fields for the past decade. It offers a revolutionary approach to revitalizing fields abandoned due to brackish water. However, ongoing research is crucial, as the growth of Saltrice depends on the characteristics of the soil and water, requiring thorough analysis. Initially, the project involves revitalizing small abandoned bunds and fields, constructing farms, greenhouses, and restaurants. Once income starts flowing in, a Saltrice Laboratory will be established, and Saltrice fields will be developed on a larger scale. Saltrice produced will be used in the restaurant, allowing people to discover its taste and existence. If the project succeeds, it could potentially revive the entire area and serve as a model for rejuvenating similar areas in Goa facing comparable conditions.