The vibrant Kashmir valleys are again splashed with the vivid reds of freshly ripened strawberries – marking the commencement of yet another season of good production. This year, the strawberry crop represents new hope and economic vitality to thousands of farmers of the range, and has re-inserted itself again as an economic cornerstone of the Kashmir agri-food sector.
Kashmiri strawberries have developed a reputation for decades as a result of their intense sweetness, pleasant flavour, and unblemished quality, and sell well both abroad and at home.
Strawberry farming has come as a brand, as part of the resilience and innovation of Kashmiri farmers-from the highly productive lands just outside Srinagar to the districts of Pulwama and the Shopian district, to the newer orchards of the other districts.
This year is significant because the farms are radically shifting towards hard farm methods, such as high-density planting and organic growing, aiming to improve both yield and efficacy.
In contrast, growers are relishing the efforts by the public and private sectors for better seed productions and training, and access to linkage and markets.
Reduced post-harvest loss is becoming commonplace with the growing availability of cold storage facilities, improved transportation systems, etc. to the end consumer who is getting the strawberries fresh.
The strawberry business also progressed from being based on economic gains to creating an enterprise and community among locals. Numerous women self-help groups came on board to participate in the industry, sorting, packing, and other value added activities including making jams and drying strawberries.
Inclusive growth demonstrates what can happen in agriculture with the right policy setting and adequate infrastructure.
Kashmir strawberries are not only tasting the soil of the valley but also built on the sweat and toil of their cultivators as their way to markets local to the nation and beyond.
The current harvest’s landmark success speaks volumes about the incredible potential inherent to Kashmir in horticulture and agribusiness. Sustained investment in technology, marketing, and sustainable development could easily lead to the strawberry industry realizing greater prosperity across many localised zones of the region.
