Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (MS)

Karwar, Dec 12: A couple, which had arrived in India on tour and could not return to their country due to lockdown, have cultivated vegetables using organic methods and become a role model to others.

Mouria from Italy and Jasmine from Poland have grown vegetables in the barren land that was lying adjacent to their lodge at Rudrapada in Gokarna of the district. They could not go back to their countries due to lockdown as they did not get a visa. They requested the owner of the barren land to permit them to grow vegetables and cultivated using organic methods.

Italian tourist Mouria has been visiting Gokarna every year for the past six years. Accordingly, he had come last year also and was there for three months. When he was about to leave, lockdown was announced and he could not return as he did not get the visa.

Instead of sitting idle, Mouria started growing different kinds of vegetables in the barren land next to his lodge. He is going to get the harvest in another two months.

The couple have grown tomato, spinach, green chili and other vegetables. Speaking about his interest in agriculture, Mouria, who is a teacher by profession, said, "I am a teacher by profession and used to do agriculture during my spare time as a hobby. So I am doing the same here as I could not go back to my country on time."

When asked whether he feels sad that he could not get back to his native country, Mouria says, "I am very sad. Every month I have to renew my visa. Police also inquire about the same. Sometimes I feel anxious. That is why, to forget the tension, I grow vegetables. I use the organic manure that is available here. I have made manure with the wet waste generated in my house and used the same for growing the vegetables."

Mouria's friend from Jasmine is giving him company in his work. Jasmine is a physiotherapist and yoga teacher by profession. She waters the plants and applies manure also.

The couple have prepared a weather time table based on the movement of stars, planets and moon. It has complete information regarding the change of seasons in this. They follow the time table and grow the kind of vegetables that suit the weather of the time.

The couple says that they have been visiting the mythological and historical places of India for many years. They said that they have visited many places in north and south India and the traditions, ideals and culture is a model for them. "This is our favourite country. Gokarna is like our life as it is famous for mythology and has a beautiful beach. Locals are very cordial," says the couple.

Mouria and Jasmine have surprised the locals by growing vegetables during lockdown. In a few days’ time, they are going to harvest the crop. They are planning to give the harvest to the owner of the land instead of using it for themselves.