Odisha: Kandhamal starts strawberry cultivation

BERHAMPUR: The Kandhamal administration has started cultivation of strawberries on a trial basis by engaging women self-help group (SHG) members. The cultivation was started in around 14 acres of land in Phulbani, Daringbadi, Chakapada, Raikia and Baliguda blocks.
“We have started strawberry cultivation on a pilot basis to improve the livelihood and economic condition of tribal farmers, especially women, in the district.Strawberry is a high-value crop and fetches more profit than traditional vegetables,” said Ishwar Ashish Patel, Kandhamal collector.
He said the district administration would undertake cultivation of strawberries in more areas if the pilot project is successful. Departments like Mission Shakti, watershed and horticulture are involved in the cultivation in convergence mode, he added. “The climate in Kandhamal is suitable for cultivation of strawberries as the crop is usually grown in areas where temperature ranges between 15-25 degrees Celsius,” said Mihir Samantaray, deputy director of horticulture, Kandhamal. “Cultivation has been started using modern methods and drip irrigation facilities. Officials of the horticulture department are providing technical support to the women farmers,” he added.
He claimed farmers can earn a profit of Rs 18 to Rs 20 lakh per acre of cultivation. “Production will start three to four months after cultivation and the first crop was expected in February and March,” he said.
He said high-yielding and short-duration variety of strawberry saplings were procured from a registered firm in Pune, Maharashtra, and distributed among the SHG members.