Goa, May 25 -- JENIFER FERNANDES

joseph@herald-goa.com

ALDONA: At 71, Hanuman Vaigankar of Nachinola continues to live the life of a proud Goan farmer, working tirelessly in the fields of neighbouring Aldona where he has cultivated indigenous crops for over five decades.

"My parents were farmers for nearly 60 years, and I've simply followed in their footsteps," he says with quiet pride. "It's our traditional business, and I will continue doing it for as long as my body allows."

During the monsoon season, Hanuman grows paddy. In the dry months, he cultivates a variety of vegetables including chillies, red amaranth, radish, long beans, and lady's fingers (bhindi), which he sells directly at the local market. What sets his produce apart ...