Salvu gave a detailed picture of life in the past and his involvement in agriculture as a boy. He gave a detailed account of his work with the British and the negative experiences he faced. During his work in the fields he cultivated wheat, potatoes and onions. He narrated his memories of the second world war, showing how farmers were indirectly involved. Salvu stated that changes have to take place, but we must be cautious of the dangers they hold.
Theme: The craft of farming in the past and how it changed
Dates covered: 1927 - 1991
Filomena gave an account of her involvement in the agricultural industry as a child, including the products that were cultivated and the farming techniques used. She described how the introduction of modern machinery changed the traditional system. Animal husbandry was considered an important asset in her household. Her descriptions of the war showed how difficult it was for a child to work in a field, especially in such situations.
This oral reminiscence gives relevant information regards the slow change that took place within the agricultural activity after the second world war. Moreover, it portrays traditional techniques and machinery that was used at the time.
Guzepp, who was a farmer, described his work in the fields, the tools he used and the crops that were grown.
This interview identifies the traditional features of agricultural activity and the new elements that were being introduced in the sector.
Joseph spoke about his work in the fields, the animals that he used and the crops that were grown.
Mrs Gauci describes her working life in the fields.
Roza recounted her experience of working in the fields together with her family.
Mr Zammit describes his life as a farmer from a young age. He mentions tools used and the type of pesticides they had.
Mr Bezzina describes his experience of having been raised in a family of farmers. He also discusses the tools used and how much work had to be done by hands or by the help of animals.
Mr Bugeja narrates how from a young age he used to help his father work the fields. They used to do it as a part-time because they had other jobs. He used to work as a gardener focusing on diseases and pesticides of crops. He also describes in detail how they used to pull water for their crops.
Mr Cortis discusses his time as a farmer and the hardship that comes with it, not only in the 60s and 70s, when technology was not as vast, but also presently.
The interviewee discusses her time as a farmer and the hardship that comes with it. She mentions some of the methods used for ploughing and for water, by animals. She also mentions some diseases related to fruits and vegetables and their consequences.
Mr Saydon discusses his time as a farmer and the hardship that comes with it, the tools and animals used to work the field.
Censu 'Tal-Lira' had always worked in the fields. He starts by describing a typical day for him as a child. The fields which they worked in were rented from the government. Initially the work was done by his grandfather, then his father together with himself and his brother until he ended up by himself and he gave the field to his children. Censu explains how they used to take their produce to the 'Pitkalija' on horse-drawn carriages in the early hours of the morning. He remembers a time when the 'Pitkalija' was in Cospicua. He goes into detail explaining the procedure at the 'Pitkalija'. He describes how he used to plant vegetables, depending on the moon cycle, something which his father used to do. Censu also explains how he used to collect and pull out water and how they had switched to an eclectic system.
During this interview George Mercieca discusses the life of a farmer, the methods, tools and beasts of burden used to work the land. He explains the Pitkali system, how they used to make wine, and what education was like for a farmer. George recounts some Gozitan legends as well.
Joseph discusses the life of a farmer, the Pitkali system, and the methods, tools and beasts of burden used to work the land. Joseph explains how they used to access water for their fields and the calendar pattern they kept to sow the land. He also describes what education was like for a farmer. Joesph delves into his emigration experience to Australia in the 1950s and the work he did there.
Coronato Calleja known as Kurnatu discusses the life of a farmer, the Pitkali system, and the methods, tools and beasts of burden used to work the land. Kurnatu explains the art of wine making and what education was like for him as a farmer. He also reminisces about his time in Australia, the work he did there and the hardships faced.
Gianni described his work in agriculture and his experiences during the Second World War.
Theme: Agriculture
Dates covered: 1939-1950
Maria described her work in agriculture and how the Second World War impacted her family.