Teotonio Tomas Afonso, a 64-year-old resident of Nachinola, has dedicated his life to rearing livestock, a profession he has been engaged in since childhood. Afonso takes care of goats, pigs, and hens, earning a steady livelihood through this traditional occupation. Despite modern preferences for packaged and processed dairy products, he continues to supply fresh goat’s milk, a practice he believes has significant health benefits.
“In the past, when a child was born, families would bring home a goat, and its milk would be given to the newborn. It was pure, without preservatives, and those who consumed it lived long, healthy lives,” he recalls. He laments that today’s generation, dependent on packaged food, faces declining health, with some passing away as early as their mid-thirties.
Afonso sells milk and livestock directly from his home and ensures his animals are well cared for. His day begins with feeding them before attending to his own needs. “I don’t eat until I’m sure my cattle are fed,” he says. He personally tends to sick animals, providing them with proper medication and care. Each morning, he takes his goats for grazing and brings them back in the afternoon, careful to avoid busy roads to prevent conflicts with passersby. While he sells male goats (bucks) for slaughter, he never
allows female goats (does) to be slaughtered.
Afonso expresses concern over the lack of interest among younger generations in traditional occupations. “Today’s children are glued to their phones, watching television, or playing video games. Only a few show any interest in taking care of livestock,” he observes. He believes that educated individuals who engage in farming or animal husbandry often feel ashamed of their work, a stark contrast to earlier generations who spent their days in the fields and grazing lands.
Raising livestock, he points out, is a demanding job. “We can’t leave them unattended. They need to be fed, taken for grazing, and protected from stray dog attacks. Unlike pets such as dogs and
cats, livestock provides sustenance and livelihood.”
Afonso also criticises the prevailing mindset among youth, who prioritise government jobs or opportunities abroad while disregarding traditional Goan occupations. “If they don’t continue these practices, future generations will never witness or understand this way of life,” he warns. He urges parents to introduce their children to traditional work, such as farming and livestock rearing, so they develop an appreciation for their roots.
Despite the challenges, Afonso remains committed to his livelihood. “I have never regretted my work. I will continue as long as my health permits,” he says, adding that people in his village recognise his dedication. For him, hard work is the only way forward in today’s challenging world.
He hopes more children will take an interest in preserving Goa’s traditional ways of life. “Some youngsters still help their families in their ancestral occupations without any shame. I want to see more of them stepping forward.”
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