Chicalim in Goa Hosts Awareness Drive on Eco-Friendly Water Descaling For Farms

Chicalim, 4 December, 2025 — Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC), in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, Goa, and its partners Anant Solutions and JS Enviro, conducted a technical awareness session titled “Hard Water – Smart Solutions” to address hard-water challenges in agricultural wells and demonstrate how modern water-conditioning technology can improve irrigation efficiency and reduce costs for farmers.

Held at the Old Church Ruins in Chicalim, the session brought together farmers, students, and educators to understand how scaling in pipelines, pumps and irrigation systems affects crop health and soil quality. Resource persons Mitelesh Kulkarni and Johnson Fernandez explained the impact of water hardness on agricultural productivity and introduced an advanced, chemical-free Water Conditioning Device that prevents and gradually removes mineral scaling using electromagnetic and electronic technology. The device requires no salt, chemicals or maintenance and produces zero wastewater, offering farmers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional softening methods.

Fr Bolmax Pereira, Convener of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, encouraged participants to adopt sustainable water practices, highlighting the importance of environmentally responsible solutions in agriculture. Chief guest Mahesh Kankonkar, AAO at ZAO Mormugao, expressed appreciation for the involvement of young students in scientific agricultural learning and assured institutional support for such initiatives.

The session received an enthusiastic response from students and faculty from several institutions, including St Theresa’s High School, Mangor; St Andrew’s Institute, Vasco; Regina Mundi School, Chicalim; St Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim; and Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola. Students described the programme as eye-opening, practical and highly relevant to their coursework, while teachers noted its usefulness for project-based learning and environmental education.

Participants including Muskan Kumari and Assistant Professor Angela Serrao praised the clarity, scientific depth and practical value of the presentations, emphasising the importance of such sessions in promoting sustainable water management and community awareness.

Organisers stated that the strong engagement from students reflects growing youth interest in sustainable agriculture, water conservation and environmental stewardship, and expressed confidence that such initiatives will support long-term ecological responsibility in the region.

By Alisha Pereira