Strawberry Farming Shines in Udaipur Region

Until now mouthwatering strawberries have only remained within the reach of the upper classes. For
the last 6 years concerted efforts are being made by a progressive farmer, Jagdish Prajapat, to bring
strawberries to the middle class in the Chittorgarh district.

In the Nimbahera Tahsel Gram Panchayat Bangreda Mamadev, Prajapat son of Mangilal Prajapat
decided to do something new. Initially, he planted strawberry plants in 10 acres of agricultural land. The
local climate and land-water conditions proved favourable in ripening of the fruit crop. Carrying his
learnings forward he is currently farming in 6-7 acres of agricultural land. From a small village like
Bangreda Mamadev these strawberries have reached major cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad.

In the beginning, he brought his plants from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. Twice he also bought
plants from Himachal Pradesh. However, this year his own farming tactics proved fruitful and he
managed to create crops from the strawberry plants present in his field. He spends a sum amount of Rs.
3 lakhs per acre of land. This cost includes compost, fertilizer and manual labour. At a time 50 Quintals
of produce can be obtained from per acre of land in Jagdish’s field. He then neatly organizes these
strawberries in 2 kilograms packs (approximately costing Rs. 200 per box) to protect the fragile fruits
before transporting them in buses to various cities.

For successful strawberry farming, Prajapat applies all techniques suggested by the Agricultural
Department. These techniques include drip irrigation, plastic mulching sheet bed for moisture
protection and fertigation as per nutrients recommendation to maintain the premium quality and shape
of the plants.

Like most plants and flowers, strawberries also have numerous varieties, Winter variety did very well in
Prajapat’s farm. This plant was cultivated in the first week of September with 12,000 plants in his field.
The crops are ready for harvesting by March-April. Varieties like Raniya, Pamaroj, Camilla, Nebila, Sweet
Charlie, Chandler, Aofa, among others were also tried out by him but the local climate and natural
resources benefitted the Winter variety more.

Prajapat says, “Favourable air, water and soil conditions for cultivation of strawberries exist in many
places in Rajasthan. Insects and plant sickness are a challenge but all crops possess a certain degree of
risk.” He also hopes to get himself involved in strawberry processing but will only proceed in this
direction after receiving ample guidance.

The Udaipur Division is the largest producer of Maize, Soybean, Paddy, Pigeon Pea in agricultural crops.
It is also one of the largest contributors of major fruit crops like Mango and Custard Apple. Isabgol is also
emerging as a major medicinal crop here. Interestingly the cropping intensity of the Division is 154% as
compared to State’s 138%. The Division is also bestowed with a strong agricultural output and rich
produce. It is also well-positioned for investment in agro-processing and has an effective highway, train
and air connectivity.