In a fresh turn towards progressive farming in Odisha, several farmers in Koraput district have shifted from traditional crops and turned to cultivating the queen of berries, with several acres of farmland now being dedicated to growing the prized fruit.
Growers belonging to the Kauguda village of the district have taken the biggest leap in this regard, with 25 acres of land in the area, involving over 30 tribal families, now cultivating strawberries. The shift is more remarkable as these growers had grown traditional crops like rice and ragi for decades before switching to strawberries.
The Horticulture Department is providing all necessary assistance and guidance to local growers to cultivate high-value strawberries on their land, highlighting the district's favorable climate and soil conditions.
"I had never seen or heard about strawberries but officials from the horticulture department taught me about the feasibility and advantages of cultivating it which is why I decided to grow strawberries," said Raimati Gadaba, a grower from Kuagada.
Read more at Odisha TV