Goa is blessed with good weather and diverse flora and fauna. For many Goans, this abundance often goes unnoticed as a natural part of life. Tourists flock to Goa to admire its unique beauty and culture, yet few locals make the best use of these resources.
Israeli national Nyima Ohana, currently residing in Goa, is on a mission to change this. With 20 years of experience in agricultural farms across Canada, Israel, and India, she is a botany expert specializing in permaculture, medicinal farming, and industrial agriculture. Her passion lies in encouraging people to produce their own vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.
Nyima, who is also a pet groomer and floral designer, creates mesmerizing bouquets using local flowers. "Wherever I've traveled or worked, I've always tried to spread the message of loving your environment and using resources wisely. Goa's tropical climate supports the growth of diverse plants, yet it's disheartening to see people not fully utilizing their land," she says.
Nyima believes that every region should embrace its natural produce, rather than forcing unsuitable crops to grow. "Each State in India has a unique climate, culture, and lifestyle. People should be content with what grows naturally in their region and focus on building a market for it. Chasing crops that don't suit the climate often isn't viable," she explains.
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