In Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector near the international border, strawberry cultivation is emerging as an alternative to traditional rice farming. Farmers, previously focused on rice, are now exploring strawberries, guided by the horticulture department's awareness initiatives.
Jammu's climatic conditions support strawberry farming, offering a sustainable option for farmers. Villages along the Arnia border report a successful strawberry harvest this year.
Ravi Kant, a local farmer, noted, "Strawberries, a high-value crop with a short harvesting cycle, have proven to be a game-changer for the farmers of Jammu, and the fruit is consumed raw due to its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness. It is also used in preparing packaged foods like jam, ice cream, juices, milkshakes, pies, and chocolates, which increases its market value around the year. We are happy to see its yields and I request other farmers to focus more on strawberry farming."
Chaman Lal Sharma, director of horticulture, mentioned to ETV Bharat that interest in strawberry cultivation has grown, spanning 40 hectares in the Jammu division. "We have trained the farmers to cultivate strawberries in small land parcels. But now, it has spread to 100 hectares in the Jammu division," Sharma stated.
Sharma outlined the process: planting begins in October to mid-November, using dissolved fertilizers via irrigation. Fruit-bearing starts in December-January, with harvesting until mid-April. Some mango and apple orchards integrate strawberry cultivation among their trees.
Sharma added, "With strawberries being a high-value and short-duration crop, farmers are taking to strawberry cultivation in this region, which is yielding good fortunes and providing ample employment opportunities to local youths. The central and J&K governments are extending loans and technical handholding to attract them to farming."
Source: Etv Bharat