Umerkote In Badakumari village under Umerkote block of Nabarangpur district, bright red strawberries have flourished for the first time on the farm of Jyotirmaya. As this is the first-ever strawberry cultivation in the region, people are visiting the farm to witness the small plants bearing vibrant strawberries, often staying for a while to admire them. With government support, the efforts of the horticulture department, and his own hard work, Jyotirmaya has cultivated one acre of land using modern techniques and organic methods.
This has proven to be a profitable crop. In addition to growing other vegetables and maize, Jyotirmaya has ventured into strawberry farming with the support of the horticulture department. He expects an annual profit of ₹4-5 lakh from this cultivation.
Using new techniques, the plants are arranged in rows with an efficient irrigation system to ensure proper growth. Jyotirmaya has adopted organic and modern farming techniques to cultivate strawberries successfully.
Growing Demand and Future Expansion
Local people are purchasing fresh strawberries directly from the farm, as there is a growing demand in the Umerkote region. Encouraged by the success, Jyotirmaya plans to expand cultivation over a larger area next year and is motivating other farmers to take up strawberry farming.
Currently, strawberries are being sold in the market at ₹150-180 per kilogram. Earlier, strawberries had to be brought from other states, leading to wastage and higher prices. But now, with local production, people are getting fresh strawberries at a lower price directly from the farm.
Investment and Government Support
For every one-acre plantation, around 22,000 strawberry plants are required, costing approximately ₹3.52 lakh. However, the state government provides the plants for free. The region’s climate is favorable for strawberry cultivation, and farmers can earn ₹8-9 lakh in profit per acre.
Additionally, strawberries offer several health benefits, as stated by Saroj Senapati, an additional horticulture department officer. Customers visiting the farm express their happiness in purchasing fresh strawberries at a reasonable price and are excited about the availability of fresh produce in their locality.