Strawberry Farming: A New Identity and Prosperity for the Region
Introduction: Strawberry cultivation has emerged as a profitable farming option in Haryana. Farmers like Manphool Saini and Dharambir have been successfully growing strawberries for many years and earning good profits.
Table of Contents
Experience of Farmer Manphool Saini
Manphool Saini, a farmer from Biran village in Bhiwani, has been cultivating strawberries for the past 10 years. He currently grows strawberries on 13 acres of leased land in Bapoda village. According to him, if the yield is good and market prices are favourable, a farmer can save up to ₹3 lakh per acre. He emphasises that strawberry plants must be nurtured carefully, like a child.
Soil and Water Requirements
Strawberries require pure water with a TDS level of around 250. The soil should be fertile and well-drained, although the crop can also grow in sandy soil. Before planting, the field must be thoroughly ploughed. Organic manure is added to enrich the soil, and then the seedlings are planted.
Cost and Farm Management
The cost of strawberry cultivation is approximately ₹5 lakh per acre. Manphool Saini explains that savings increase if most of the work is done on the farm itself. His family helps with packing the strawberries along with labourers. He transports the produce to Delhi in his own vehicle and sells it at Azadpur Mandi.
Experience of Farmer Dharambir
Dharambir, a farmer from Dinnod village, has been cultivating strawberries for the past 27 years. This year, he has planted strawberries on 8 acres of land. According to him, a good crop can generate an income of ₹2–3 lakh per acre. On average, 8,000–10,000 trays can be packed from one acre. Many farmers in the area grow strawberries, covering around 60 acres in total. Most farmers procure strawberry plants from Pune and Maharashtra.
Major Challenges: Fungal Diseases
Fungal infection is a major problem in strawberry farming. To control it, regular spraying and proper fertilisation are necessary. Farmers also use a drip irrigation system to provide controlled watering.
Government Support
Dharambir adds that if the land is taken on lease and the necessary equipment is owned by the farmer, the Haryana government provides subsidies to support strawberry cultivation.
Conclusion
Strawberry farming, though costly and labour-intensive, can be highly profitable if managed properly. With the right care, resources, and market access, farmers in Haryana are successfully turning it into a sustainable source of income.
