Strawberry farming emerges as new hope for women in Odisha

Strawberry cultivation is fast emerging as a transformative opportunity for farmers, including women across Odisha, particularly in the hilly regions where traditional shifting cultivation had once dominated agricultural practices, sources said on Thursday.

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With growing institutional support and the promise of better returns, farmers are gradually moving away from conventional methods and embracing this high-value fruit crop. Notably, women are playing a key role in this agricultural transition, gaining financial independence through strawberry farming.

In Keonjhar district, seven women from Mereisahi village under Banspal block have taken up strawberry cultivation for the first time. Backed by government assistance, including solar-powered irrigation systems, quality saplings, and technical guidance, they are cultivating strawberries across nearly one-and-a-half hectares of land.

Their produce is fetching up to Rs 500 per kilogram in the market, significantly improving household incomes and inspiring neighbouring farmers to explore similar ventures.

The success story is not limited to one district. In Bargarh, women farmers are transforming previously underutilised land into thriving strawberry fields. In Rugudi village under Bheden block, farmer Sarbananda Sahu has successfully adopted strawberry cultivation with support from lift irrigation facilities and the horticulture department.

Likewise, young farmer Mohan Charan Nayak from Gopalpur village under Bhatli block has moved beyond traditional crops and is now reaping higher profits from strawberry farming.

Strawberries, once considered suitable mainly for foreign climates, are now flourishing in Odisha’s cooler and hilly regions. The crop’s rising demand and profitability are offering farmers a sustainable alternative and helping them diversify income sources and establish a new agricultural identity.

Reported By: Dharmadatta Padhi, Chinmaya Sahoo