Goa, May 5 -- JENIFER FERNANDES

joseph@herald-goa.com

ALDONA: Sarita's journey began on once-barren fields that had long seen no cultivation. Faced with limited opportunities and unwilling to seek employment elsewhere, she resolved to make something of her own land. The group first planted Roza (marigold) flowers, and the initial yield was excellent, giving them hope and motivation. However, the following year, pre-monsoon showers completely flattened the crop, resulting in a total loss. The group then switched to cultivating ladyfingers (okra), but the returns were far from encouraging.

Their fortunes began to change when they heard of a successful Mogra plantation in Valpoi. Officials from the Agriculture Department in Mapusa organis...