India’s strawberry industry, concentrated in the Mahabaleshwar region of western India where approximately 85% of national cultivation occurs, currently relies entirely on imported plant varieties from California, Florida, Italy, and Spain. The region’s high altitude of over 1,000 meters and cool growing season from November through March create ideal conditions for strawberry production, making it one of the most profitable horticultural sectors in western India. However, farmers face significant challenges including weather vulnerability, high annual costs for importing new plants, and labor-intensive operations.
Researchers at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth agricultural university have partnered with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to develop India’s first domestically-bred strawberry variety using controlled gamma irradiation to induce genetic mutations. The initiative aims to create climate-resilient cultivars that match the quality of foreign varieties while adapting to Indian environmental conditions, though researchers acknowledge the development process could require 10 to 15 years. In the interim, the university is providing scientific guidance to farmers on optimized planting schedules, fertilizer recommendations, and growth management techniques specific to local conditions.
Larger agricultural operations are pursuing alternative cultivation methods to mitigate weather risks. Berry Fresh Agrotech began experimenting with hydroponics in 2022, a soil-free, controlled-environment system that initially produced significant losses but has since improved substantially through careful management and nutrient monitoring. The company has tested 19 different varieties and plans to expand to a five-acre facility. Similarly, farmer networks have installed weather monitoring towers with artificial intelligence capabilities to predict rainfall and optimize chemical applications, while also implementing vertical growing systems that can increase plant density fivefold on the same land area.
Smaller farms, however, often lack resources for such technological investments. Some farmers have adapted by combining traditional methods with alternative income strategies, including agritourism and direct-to-consumer sales through social media platforms, allowing them to eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability despite remaining vulnerable to severe weather events.
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