Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jul 18: While the name Sachin Tendulkar evokes memories of cricketing glory, in the spice-laden belts of Dabhal, Dharbandora, it belongs to a different kind of hero. Farmer Sachin Tendulkar has emerged as a saviour of Goa’s struggling black pepper cultivation through his innovative in-situ grafting technique — an effort that has earned him national acclaim.

The relentless spread of quick wilt and slow wilt diseases had nearly wiped-out black pepper cultivation in Goa, leaving farmers discouraged and fields barren. “Most vines perish within 2-3 years due to disease. With poor returns, many farmers stopped replanting,” Tendulkar shared.

Determined to reverse this decline, Tendulkar mastered and promoted grafting methods that strengthen pepper vines against disease. This year alone, he successfully developed over 500 grafts on his farm, while also training fellow farmers from Dharbandora taluka in the process.

He emphasized the potential of black pepper as an intercrop in coconut and arecanut plantations. “You can grow 600 to 900 arecanut palms in an acre. If you plant pepper on even half of that, you’ll have about 450 vines. With prices reaching ?700 per kg, it’s a great source of additional income,” he explained.

Tendulkar also issued a caution about using planting material from other states. “Imported grafts often carry soil-borne pathogens. To avoid bringing disease into your garden, always use cuttings without soil,” he advised.

His pioneering efforts didn’t go unnoticed. At the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, Kerala, Tendulkar was honoured with the prestigious Spice Award 2025 — one of just five farmers across India to receive it.

“Many ignore pepper as a viable income option. But with the right care and grafting techniques, it can turn into a profitable crop,” Tendulkar affirmed, continuing to inspire Goa’s farming community with his green-thumbed grit.