CHIMERA Thoda Hatt Ke!!!

Vol. 4. No. 3 DON BOSCO COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE 7TH Feb 2017

Provincial's Official visitation...

Our very own Salesman Provincial Fr. Felix Fernandes sdb visited the college on 27 January, 2017. This is his second visit

for the academic year 2016-2017. Puja Phadte welcomed him with her melodious voice and Vrundan Parab presented

him a bouquet created by her of flowers available on the campus. He was glad to see the F.Ys as well as the S.Ys of the

newly established college sitting together as one family. The Rector, Fr. Bernardino de Almeida did the formal

introduction of the Provincial on his first visitation. He told us of the Provincial’s uncompromising honesty and his

dedication to his responsibilities. He is an exemplary person who has led an honest life, we were told.

The Provincial said that good ethics are fundamental requirement of any profession and it governs the conduct of a person

or a group. He also added that our college is one of a kind and the efforts and hard work that we put in will take us far

beyond our expectations. -Liza Pinheiro F.Y.B.Sc (Agri)

31 January ...Feast of Don Bosco and our Educational Tour begins

This morning we joined the celebration of Don Bosco’s feast arranged by the Salesian Community at Sulcorna. After the

programme, the S.Y.B.Sc (Agri) students left on a much awaited educational tour to Maharashtra. Before leaving the

premises we got blessings and good wishes from our Director, Fr. Allwyn D’Souza, as well as the Principal, Satish Patil Sir

teaching faculty, staff members and the F.Y.B.Sc (Agri) students. Faculty members, Rajan Shelke Sir and Sumati Chavan

Ma’am, were our tour leaders.

Our 1st destination was the DBSKKV’s Regional Fruit Research Station at Vengurla. Dr. Rana Pratap Raut, the Junior

Pathologist, was our guide for the evening. We visited the model Agro-tourism village wherein we saw many structures of

agro-tourism such as the fish pond, children’s park, Log house, Bamboo house, Mud house, etc set amidst intercrop of

mango with banana, vegetables medicinal plants, pepper and other spices, too. Ravikumar Sheegihalli S.Y.B.Sc (Agri)

The first 4-day Study tour of Maharashtra ....

The second year students had our first study tour from 31st January to 3rd of February, 2017. This was designed to allow

students to experience the world beyond the college campus and to get familiarize themselves with the practices

elsewhere. On the first day, we visited the model agro tourism center at DBSKKV’s Regional Fruit Research Station,

Vengurla, where we got to see the plantation of various mango varieties, kokum , cocoa, medicinal plants and

intercropping of dwarf varieties of banana, turmeric, flowers and fruit plants to utilize the space between the mango

plants. This can be beneficial to even increase the income of the farmers. The model of eco-tourism unit consists of a two

hectares (20,000 sq.m.) area of the farm made tourist-friendly with suitable amenities and one model each of low-cost

bamboo house, laterite stone-house, mud-house and log house so that the prospective entrepreneur can choose one

type. The different kinds of amenities in houses found in Konkan region, West Coast of India, were created in these

models. We got idea how we can make proper use of the land by adapting it to agro ecotourism so that farmer can earn

from his yield given by the crops and gain additional income by promoting agro-tourism in his farm. The farmer can gain

by even letting the tourists work and learn about the cultivation practices while enjoying the natural beauty and serenity

that people cannot find in their urban habitats.

Fr. Allwyn and Staff members wishing good-bye The S.Y. Students & Faculty at Vengurla

Then on the second day, i.e. 1st of February, we saw the research station wherein they are developing various practices

which are beneficial to the farmers to check on the pest and insect attack which decreases the crop yield. At the fruit

processing unit they explained us how we can prepare candies, jellies, jam, chips, etc from fruits and vegetables. We left

to Amboli to see the government garden which had various kinds of medicinal plants. Then we continued our journey to

visit the MPKV’s College of Agriculture, Kolhapur. Dr. V.R. Garande, horticulturist, explained to us the post-harvest

technology of fruits. At the Entomology department, Dr. Pandurang Mohite explained us about the control of insects and

diseases caused by the pests. He showed the presentation wherein we learnt the mechanical, physical and chemical

methods of pest management.

F.Y B.Sc (Agri students and Staff bidding adieu Students evincing interest in the insect collection

We even got to see the dairy unit where. Dr. Patange showed us the various products that we can make from milk and

which can fetch better price in the market. We then visited the Gokul Dairy industry in Kolhapur in which we saw the huge

machines are used to process the milk and prepare the different milk products. The last day

i.e. the 3nd of February, we visited the Madhusagar honey processing as well as honey

production unit in Mahabaleshwar, where we saw the Apiculture and even

processing equipment for honey. We got the chance to do a little site seeing from Ludwick

point, just 2km from the Madhusagar en route to the Mapro industry, to see the

processing of fruits into squashes, jams , chocolate, etc. After which visited the

strawberry farm wherein the Abhijeet Bhilare, a former student of ma'am Sumati,

guided us on the strawberry cultivation and its pre and post-harvest techniques. There

we got to see the wheat crop as they grow wheat in rotation with the strawberry to

maintain the soil nutrients.

We really enjoyed the tour and learned many things, as it was our college’s very first study tour; I enjoyed a lot with my classmates and even got to learn the various ideas and techniques wherein we can develop our own farms and, through entrepreneurship, develop them into economically viable units. All thanks to Ma’am Sumati and Rajan Sir who took care of us for these four days. Priyanka Parab, S.Y.B.Sc (Agri)

1stFebruary, On the Tour

After breakfast this morning, Dr. Rana Pratap Raut briefed us about overall project of agro-tourism at RFRS-Vengurla. He

also explained the importance of hands-on training for learning how to move forward and make a better living for

ourselves and others while continuing agricultural practice. We saw demo of livestock which had goats and poultry birds.

We tasted the Lemon- Kokum RTD which was sweet and sour. We also saw how they separate the peppercorns from the

spikes for processing. Later during the day we visited Soil science laboratory where we were shown different equipments

used in the laboratory and tested the pH of a soil sample as we had learnt how to do this in second semester. Later we

visited the Entomology laboratory where we learnt about the insects which are harmful and beneficial for the farmers, we

got know their management and their use as bio-control. We visited the fruit processing unit where different products

such as jelly, jam, candy, pickles were made from cashew and their by-products along with kokum, nutmeg and many

more fruits, we also saw the different machines used in processing. It was indeed a great experience in this research

station. After the visit to Vengurla research station on the way to Kolhapur, we visited medicinal plants garden at Amboli.

There we got information on medicinal plants .It was a wonderful experience. Shivama Oppari S.Y.B.Sc (Agri)

Soil Testing Laboratory at RFRS, Vengurla ....

2nd February, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur

This morning we visited MPKV’s College of Agriculture, Kolhapur. Dr.V.R Garande explained to us the importance of

processing of fruits and vegetables and value addition of fruits. We tasted Aonla juice which had mildly sweet taste. We

also saw various fruit processing equipments. At the Entomology Department Dr.Pandurang Mohite explained to us the

importance of insects in agriculture. He showed us the presentation on pheromones, a culture of Metarhizim which is

used to control white grub which is pest of sugarcane, an important crop of this region and of Don Bosco Farm, Sulcorna.

At the nursery they showed us rootstocks of mango and sapota, different ornamental plants, vegetables and tomatoes.

Entomology Department MPKV College of Agri., Kolhapur Nursery at the College of Agriculture....

Then at the Dairy Unit Dr. Patange explained to us the processing of milk to various products and how they train

the 8th semester students to be dairy entrepreneurs through experiential learning and about the importance of learning to

how to interact with people for the our betterment as well as theirs . We also got to taste the various products prepared

by the students such as Curd and Rasmalai. Next, we visited Gokul Dairy in Kolhapur. There they showed us the whole

process, starting from raw milk to pasteurised milk, milk powder and various milk products. We were shown the milk tanks

and the butter making unit. we also visited the storeroom which is -18 degree Celsius. We had lunch in Gokul Dairy

canteen and after lunch we started our journey to Mahabaleshwar. Tanvy D. Surlekar S.Y.B.Sc (Agri)

3rd February, From Honey Bees to Strawberries

It is always a pleasure to visit beautiful places with beautiful people. What better thing could one ask for than a morning at

Mahabaleshwar in the company of friends! It was a great start for the day filled with enthusiasm and curiosity. Everyone

was on board the bus and we left for Madhusagar, which a honey production and processing unit on a co-operative basis.

They explained to us how honey was purified and packaged. It would have been a charm to have seen the unit while

functioning. On understanding the purification processes, our curiosity was aroused to see a live bees and their

honeycomb. We purchased pure honey and its products from Madhusagar’s products outlet. After this honey sweet

endeavour we left for Mapro to have a taste of a variety of juices and fruity chocolates. The Mapro unit was treat to all

five senses as we could see, smell, feel and taste chocolate and drinks and enjoy the sound of laughter in the beautiful

garden complementing the experience. Noon stuck and we had lunch in a nearby hotel and straight away left to

Panchagani where students of our Tour Leader, Sumati ma’am, owned a strawberry farm. He explained to us in two

batches the propagation, soil sterilization practices, mulching, the varieties used, the reasons for selection of varieties,

harvesting indices and packing. Fortunate as this batch, is we also got to see wheat cultivation and bought strawberries

from the farm. Visiting Mahabaleshwar was one of the best parts of this educational tour. These were three days loaded

with fun-filled times with friends!! It was hard to imagine that it was time to leave and move back into Goa. After buying

some strawberries, which are the speciality of Mahabaleshwar, we set on course to Sulcorna. We made every second

count on this journey till we set foot in Sulcorna. It was an amazing experience, so much so that words can’t describe the

feeling that we had never felt before. Our teachers ,Sumati ma’am and Rajan sir, were a cheerful lot who enlightened us

and made our journey more beautiful and blessed by their presence.. Andrea Cheradil S.Y.B.Sc (Agri)

Producers’ Cooperative Sales Unit and Strawberry farm, Mahabaleshwar

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION....

On the pleasant morning of 26 January, 2017 ,we were all set and excited to celebrate our country’s 68th

Republic Day. This

occasion was celebrated by both Don Bosco Farm High School and DBCA-Sulcorna. The chief guest for the function was

Fr. Felix Fernandes, Provincial of Salesian Panjim-Konkan region. After the Provincial unfurled the National Flag, the

program started with a welcome song. This was followed by a national anthem, patriotic songs and dance performed by

DBCA students. All were happy to watch F.Y. B.Sc.(Agri) students performing and attracting all towards them. The

participants were happy and contended to see the crowd enjoying their performance. Everyone enjoyed the program, it was

an auspicious day. Vijay Belgi & Runal F.Y. B.Sc (Agri)

We don’t realize we make memories; we just know we have fun…

College life is usually deemed as that phase of life’s journey where one makes friends for life. One enjoys to the fullest. It’s

a phase where socialisation is at its peak. Along with academics and extracurricular activities, one needs to socialize.

Regardless of remote situation of DBCA-Sulcorna and students hailing from various corners, students have not left the

sphere of socialisation incomplete.

31st January was a great day for students of DBCA as it was the feast of the founder, Saint John Bosco. In the morning, we

had a small celebration on the campus that was witnessed by most of us. Later we the bosom buddies of F.Y. intended to

knock around and celebrate the feast. This was a time that we had to cherish together as friends. But few could not be

with us because of various obstacles. Being lovers of nature, we decided to spend the evening at Greenland, Curpem. At

Greenland, love for each other and love for nature moved parallel. The scenic beauty mesmerised us. River water and long

stretches of green grass was something very special of that evening. To add to this beauty, a cattle herd had come for

grazing and birds flew high up in the blue sky. We shared our thoughts, played games, captured the moments and just

relaxed. Though the entire class was not present at that spot physically, we did not find their absence as we remembered

each one of them. They were present in our minds. To add to our joys, we had a surprise visitor; our value education

teacher Rev. Fr. Francis Britto. We were all amazed by his presence. There was no worry, there was no pain, as we were

with our besties.

Each day at DBCA is a live moment. If at all burdened with some studies or other issues, soon that phase passes away or

our dear buddies divert our minds and thus reigns joy, fun and happiness. We all love and care for each other. There is

exchange of thoughts, views and culture at every moment, thus blending our lives together. How monotonous it would

have been; if we had not spent time together having fun and making memories!!! -Ryan Mascarenhas F.Y. B.Sc (Agri)

MAKING MEMORIES

“Sometimes, it’s better to bunk a class and enjoy with friends, because now when I look back, MARKS never make me

laugh but the MEMORIES do.” -Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the “Rocket Man” who became the President of India

This is an inspiring quote by Dr. Abdul Kalam that one should never ignore. Studies are important but, at same time,

enjoyment is needed in one’s life. The scenario is just what we see in our dreams and desire for it to come true. The

nature and things around us teach us more and gives better knowledge than what we learn in four- walled classroom.

The books are the foundation of our knowledge, but the world outside the class makes us strong and wise enough to face

the world without fear. We can say that our surroundings are the biggest classroom, with no boundaries, which give us

knowledge to deal with the world. The greenery in the field is just mesmerizing; the water flowing in the river is just

overwhelming. The gentle breeze diverts our mind, making us forget all the bad things that was on our way and helps us

to enjoy life to its fullest. However, bunking a class should not be a routine. We need to bear in mind the Marathi maxim

which goes “Ati Tithe Maati” meaning ‘anything in excess is poison’. Enjoyment is necessary in our life but too much of it

can also harm us or ruin our life. We, as teenagers should not forget our career and focus on our aim to bring about a

brighter future. We, the students of today, are the future of the planet Earth. -Saheel Velip F.Y. B.Sc (Agri)

Planting Tapioca

On 25th Jan we had a surprise waiting for us. We were given a golden opportunity to plant

tapiocas on a commercial scale. The workers who were there for our help as our guardians

had made ridges and furrows. We were accompanied by Rajan Shelke Sir, Satish Patil Sir,

Ma’am Ashika Sali and our director Fr. Allwyn D’Souza. At the initial stage Sir Rajan guided

us how to plant the tapioca’s in a proper manner. Then all of us were divided in the group

to carry the work faster. We all helped each other not realising in which group we belong.

We all had a great time and it was a good experience.

After the planting of Tapiocas, it was the time to flood the furrows with water. Now the

real fun started as we were also allotted the work of watering tapiocas. All of us got into

the water which was completely muddy. Some were watering while some started to splash

muddy water on others. This started a new wave and all participated in playing with

muddy water. The mud printed on our shirts were the signs that we are the students and

the future of Agriculture.

When it was a time of departure some of our colleagues had a great experience of diving in the water when attempting to

clean the mud on them. Even though it was a tiring day we all shared a lot of memorable moments. At last but not the

least the workers were the real heroes. -Karishma Parsekar F.Y. B.Sc (Agri)

Don Bosco and the Preventive System…

31st January is the greatest day for all the Salesians all around the world and especially for all the youngsters. It’s all

because of Don Bosco: the father and friend of youth. Being born in Italy on 16th August 1815, he dedicated his entire life

for the salvation of the poor and marginalized youngsters. As one of his quote goes, ‘For you I study, for you I work, for

you I live and for you I am ready even to give my life’. Whatever he did, he did it for the young.

With the aim of making his boys ‘good Christians and honest Citizens’ he developed an unique and effective education

system which is very popularly known as ‘the Preventive System’. Influenced by the words in his dream at the age of nine,

‘not with blows, but with loving kindness, you must win their hearts,’ he worked out three important pillars for his

educative system. They are: Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. Reason is the unique and distinct quality that human

beings possess which sets them apart from animals. Religion reminds us God, on whom the absolute morality is based and

finally loving kindness towards the other which is the quality of the human heart. Don Bosco insisted this from his

Salesians and from the youngsters to be the shining models in the world that is filled with immorality and hatred.

It’s now 201 years since the birth of this great saint, an educationist and a role model to imitate. The pillars of his

education system are accepted and put into practice in all the institutions of education. They are so effective and powerful

tools that they have the ability to change the lives of youngsters today. Long live the preventive system, long live Don

Bosco… -Joswin Dsouza F.Y. B.Sc (Agri)

EDITORS:- Tanvy Surlekar and Saheel Velip