In Bhutai village of Chhindwara, Kailash Pawar has become known as “the strawberry farmer” after successfully cultivating strawberries on his 5-acre plot, previously used for tomatoes.
“I conducted extensive research first,” says Kailash. “During COVID, an acquaintance’s small-scale strawberry farming success inspired me to attempt it on a larger scale.”
Using drip irrigation and mulching techniques, Kailash sources his plants from Ratlam. His innovation is notable as strawberry cultivation in India typically occurs in colder regions like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. Chhindwara’s climate, nestled between Satpura and Pench forests, provides ideal conditions with its moisture and loamy soil.
The shift from tomatoes came after years of losses due to plant diseases. “The tomato plants were withering in the fields,” Kailash explains. Government subsidies helped offset costs for plants, drip irrigation, and packaging.
While profitable, strawberry farming presents challenges. Regular pesticide application is crucial for crop survival, and Kailash notes,
“Weather changes and uncertain rainfall create significant problems for horticulture farmers.”
The venture’s success, however, raises environmental concerns, particularly regarding chemical fertiliser usage and soil damage from mulching. Despite these challenges, Kailash’s story represents agricultural adaptation in the face of climate change, though such transitions remain feasible mainly for well-resourced farmers.
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