Awarded ‘Best Woman Dairy Farmer’ in Goa, Radha Timblo’s pioneering work at SHATIXA FARM blends innovation in dairy farming, eco-tourism, and women empowerment
Radha Timblo, founder of Shatixa Farm and Dairy at Cotarli, Sanguem was conferred ‘The Best Woman Farmer in the State of Goa’ award for 2024 by the Indian Dairy Association (West Zone) comprising Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa and
Chhattisgarh.
The Cotarli farm, acquired over 50 years ago by her late father-in-law, Gurudas Timblo, has long been dedicated to the cultivation of traditional cash crops such as coconuts, arecanuts, cashew, and sugarcane. “I occasionally
visited the farm to stay updated on the operations, though the day-to-day management was primarily handled by supervisors and the labour force on-site,” mentions Timblo.
Around 2018, they began exploring ways to optimise the yields of their land holdings. This led to discussions on potential improvements and strategies for diversification. “After consulting with industry experts, the idea of implementing an integrated farming system emerged which included the introduction of dairy farming. This initiative eventually gave rise to Shatixa Farm & Dairy, named after my late husband Satish Timblo, a brand we envisioned not only to focus on farming and dairy but also to integrate eco-tourism,” she explains.
Thanks to valuable guidance from experts, they understood the importance of laying a solid foundation before acquiring livestock. As a result, they first focused on developing the necessary infrastructure, including the cultivation of fodder across an extensive 4-hectare area, ensuring the sustainability and success of their dairy venture.
The first batch of 10 cows arrived at the farm in December 2019, just as the world was plunged into the COVID-19
lockdown. “The timing was challenging, and we faced significant difficulties during this period, particularly with the shortage of external feed for our dairy operations. However, we were fortunate that the green Napier fodder available on our farm provided a vital source of sustenance for the cows,” adds Timblo.
Despite the initial setbacks, they made steady progress. From producing just 40 liters of milk per day in the early stages, they have grown their output to 500 liters per day over the course of four years. This journey from humble beginnings to a more sustainable and thriving operation has been both challenging and rewarding for Timblo.
Currently, the farm has a total herd of around 107 animals, out of which 48 are milking cows which yield on an average 500 litres of milk per day. “From our current capacity we intend to double the same to
around 1000 litres per day over the next 2 years. From one shed which housed 80 cows, we have constructed another to house the expected herd increase. We have planned the infrastructure as well as fodder quantity to be sufficient enough for this increased herd. Also the semiautomatic milking machine along with the Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC) has been designed for a capacity of 1000 litres of milk,” explains Timblo. Due to the actions that have been taken since inception, doubling this capacity over the next 2 years will be a possibility.
Timblo highlights a few steps that keep them a step above the rest when it comes to dairy and milk production.
1. Quality forage with enhanced nutrition
At the farm, they are committed to providing their livestock with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes the optimal mix of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to support their health and productivity. To improve
the quality of feed, they have implemented intercropping of CO5 variety Napier grass within their traditional coconut plantation, enhancing both the yield and sustainability of the coconut crop. In addition to this, they
produce silage from the same fodder, ensuring a reliable feed source throughout the year. They also collaborate with industry professionals to continuously refine and optimise their feed rations, which have resulted in improved milk production and overall livestock performance.
2. Good breeding practices
Timblo has been fortunate to acquire a total of 38 high-quality Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jersey cows in three phases, each selected for their excellent genetics from reputable farms in Maharashtra. This carefully chosen mother stock has since produced a progeny exceeding 100 animals. To support the growth and development of these young animals, the farm has established a dedicated heifer rearing facility at their Tollem Farm.
3. Improved Herd Management and enhancing cow comfort.
The farm prioritises minimising stress for its cows by providing comfortable and conducive housing conditions. The facilities are equipped with roof insulation, which helps to reduce shed temperatures, along with proper ventilation, ample space, and quality bedding. These measures collectively enhance cow comfort, leading
to improved milk production and overall herd health. The cows are only confined to their stalls during milking; otherwise, they are free to roam and graze in their open paddocks, allowing them to ruminate naturally. Regular monitoring of milk production is conducted for each cow, enabling the identification of those requiring special attention or additional nutritional support. Additionally, instrumental music is played during the milking process, creating a calm and soothing environment for the cows in the shed.
4. Good Veterinary services.
The farm is dedicated to providing comprehensive veterinary care and implementing systems to closely monitor key factors such as milk production, feed intake, cow health, and breeding schedules. By analysing this data, the farm can make informed decisions that optimize herd productivity and ensure the well-being of the animals.
Regular health screenings are conducted to identify and address potential issues, including heat detection, to maximise the duration of milk production throughout the lactation period. The farm has made significant investments in robust veterinary care, with routine checks for mastitis and other conditions that could impact milk yield and overall cow health.
5. Milking process optimisation
The farm has invested in a speed line semi-automatic milking system to produce good quality hygienic milk.
Besides this the farm plays music to their livestock to enhance milk production. Timblo says, “Music is a universal form of relaxation just as it relaxes a human, it has a similar effect on animals which is evident in the farm when they are being milked. This practice does not only improve the quality of the milk but helps the animal to release the entire quantity of milk.”
An innovative feature at Shatixa Farm is the use of the Speed Line Milking Machine, a semi-automatic system designed to enhance efficiency and milk quality. This machine is connected to a Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC), which not only reduces labour costs but also minimizes human intervention in the milking process, ensuring a more hygienic collection of milk.
The system significantly reduces milking time and allows for the possibility of increasing milking frequency from twice to three times a day, which could lead to higher milk yields, particularly from high-producing cows. The BMC maintains an optimal temperature of 4°C, ensuring that only high-quality milk is supplied to their current client, Goa Dairy.
Currently, Shatixa Farm maintains a herd of 100 crossbred Holstein Friesian (HF) cows and 8 Jersey cows, as mentioned by Timblo. “The inclusion of Jersey cows is aimed at increasing the fat content of the farm’s overall milk production. The HF breed, originally from Germany and the Netherlands, has been crossbred with indigenous species to enhance their resilience to the tropical climate conditions of the region.”
Under the farm’s optimal herd management practices and local weather conditions, the average milk yield from these crossbred cows ranges from 9 to 20 liters per day per animal, significantly higher compared to the much lower yields typically seen from fully indigenous breeds.
Timblo envisions expanding Shatixa Farm’s product range by introducing value-added dairy products, including curd, flavored milk, ghee, and potentially cheese. “Our goal is to produce these high-quality products for a niche market,” she explains.
Shatixa Farm operates a dedicated heifer-raising facility, a strategic initiative born from Timblo’s experience with the challenges of sourcing high-quality cows. “We encountered difficulties in procuring cows of the desired quality, which led us to establish the heifer-raising facility,” she explains.
After the initial milk-feeding phase of three months, the calves are transferred to the heifer-raising facility at Tollem. Here, they are segregated by age and provided with ample space, balanced nutrition, and optimal environmental conditions. The goal is for the heifers to reach a weight of 350 to 400 kg within 18 months, at which point they are ready for artificial insemination with high-quality semen to ensure the production of healthy, productive offspring.
The data collected from the facility can be shared with local farmers purchasing acclimatized heifers, offering them valuable insights to make more informed decisions when selecting animals for their own herds.
Butterfly Garden
A visit to Shatixa Farm is not complete without experiencing their impressive butterfly garden. Timblo explains the concept behind its creation: “The butterfly garden on our farm was established with a natural instinct to enhance the farm’s ecosystem. The project began with the selection of a diverse range of plant species that bloom throughout different seasons, attracting various types of butterflies year-round. These plants cater to different stages of the butterfly life cycle, providing nectar-rich flowers, host plants for larvae, and shrubs for shelter, thereby creating a thriving habitat.” Over the past four years, this initiative has evolved into a well-integrated feature of the farm, contributing both to the biodiversity of the farm and its overall sustainability.
Timblo further shares that the farm hosts educational sessions, providing visitors particularly students, with the opportunity to observe and learn about the different stages of butterfly development, from egg to adult. “During the development of our butterfly garden, we were fortunate to have international butterfly conservationists and experts visit the park, all of whom were impressed by its rich biodiversity,” she notes.
Looking ahead, the farm plans to offer educational visits for local schoolchildren and the broader community, allowing them to experience and engage with this unique aspect of the farm’s ecosystem.
Duck Farming
Timblo has recently expanded into duck farming at Shatixa Farm and shares the story behind this new venture. “Our Tollem Farm is located along a perennial river, and we developed the area to offer a unique day-trip experience known as the Hinterland Experience. We have welcomed groups of picnickers who come to enjoy the tranquil environment,” she explains.
To enhance the attraction of the location, the idea of introducing ducks emerged, which eventually led to the integration of a duck farm into the project.
The farm sources one-day-old ducklings from ICAR Bangalore and raises them in a free-range environment. After conducting trials, the farm explored the domestic market for ducks and successfully entered this niche market with a high-quality product.
Timblo discusses the challenges and rewards of raising ducks at Shatixa Farm, as well as the logistics involved in supplying this niche market. “The challenges of farming often outweigh the rewards, but with patience and value addition to the product, the rewards will come in time,” she explains.
“Our goal is to produce high-quality, free-range ducks under the ‘Shatixa’ brand, ensuring they are packaged in a hygienic manner.”
Timblo expresses satisfaction with the growing demand for their ducks, particularly during the trial phase. “We are already receiving numerous orders for the festive Christmas season and plan to expand our capacity in the coming months to meet the demand both within Goa and beyond.”
One of the main challenges the farm faces is sourcing quality hatchlings, which currently have to be procured from outside the state. The distance involved is a logistical issue. “To address this, we are exploring the possibility of establishing our own hatchery in the near future to streamline the supply chain.”
She also notes with pride that celebrity chefs in gourmet restaurants across Goa and Mumbai have expressed their satisfaction with the quality of their ducks.
Eco Tourism
Shatixa Farm offers more than just dairy farming and duck raising, it also provides a unique eco-hospitality experience for visitors. Timblo explains, “The Hinterland Experience at Tollem Farm is a carefully curated experiential offering, designed to provide a memorable visit based on guest preferences. According to feedback from our picnicking guests, the trip can be customised to suit the needs of the group, with options such as breakfast, river dips, and a farm-to-table lunch concept. We have also created special dinner experiences for larger groups at the Tollem location.” At the Cotarli Dairy Farm, Shatixa Farm has introduced a farm-stay experience that will evolve over time. “The goal is to offer visitors the opportunity to stay on a working farm and engage in hands-on farm life experiences.”
Future plans include curating a range of experiences such as overnight stays, breakfast amidst the butterfly garden, jungle trails, butterfly park visits, and educational tours. By combining experiences from both farm locations, Shatixa Farm aims to provide a holistic and immersive experience for all visitors.
Message to Women
As the recipient of the ‘Best Woman Dairy Farmer (Goa) Award’ for 2024 from the Indian Dairy Association (West Zone), Timblo shares a message of encouragement, particularly for women in rural areas. “I am deeply honored to receive this award for my contribution to dairy farming, having supplied over 1,35,000 liters of milk to Goa Dairy during the 2023-24 period. This recognition is a result of our farm’s adoption of advanced technology and best
practices in feed and fodder management. The award and citation were presented to me in Nagpur on August 17, 2024, by Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari,” she says with pride.
the Indian Dairy Association (West Zone) at the hands of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Reflecting on her experience, Timblo emphasises that traditional farms can be made more productive by
integrating diverse activities such as intercropping fodder grass, which can serve as a sustainable feed source for dairy operations. She also highlights the added income potential from coconut trees through toddy and coconut sap (neera), production, which generates more income than coconut harvesting alone. Additionally,
Timblo has sought to add value to farm produce by marketing products such as jackfruit chips, mango by-products, and coconut sugar.
“Venturing into dairy farming was a challenge, especially since I had limited knowledge of the industry,” she shares. “However, I took the time to research and gather as much information as possible, especially regarding the integration of farming activities.”
RADHA TIMBLO’S advice to women, particularly those in rural areas:
• Be yourself – You are already strong and capable, often managing multiple farm-related tasks
• Be brave and believe in yourself – Trust in your abilities and your potential for success.
• Seek reliable information – Before starting any project, gather knowledge from credible sources to make informed decisions.
• Cultivate strong willpower – Develop the determination to succeed and push forward, no matter the challenges.
“With confidence and perseverance, you will undoubtedly achieve success,” she says.
Timblo’s transition from mine owner to running a farm has profoundly shaped her views on women’s empowerment. “Having managed our business for several decades, I, as a woman, have developed a strong sense of empowerment, which has been built on key characteristics that have evolved over the years, including: Selfworth, decision-making, access to resources and navigating social changes. These values have remained consistent, even
as I shifted from managing a mining operation to running a farm. My perspective on empowerment has not changed throughout this transition. For urban women considering a career in dairy farming or agriculture, my advice remains the same as I have sharedwith rural women: believe in yourself, seek reliable information, and approach the industry with confidence and determination,” she concludes.
