From Fields to Markets: The Rise of Strawberry Farming in Abohar, Punjab, India

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) has emerged as a commercially significant fruit crop in both temperate and subtropical regions of India due to its high market demand, nutritional value, and excellent export potential. Its adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, coupled with its rapid growth and relatively short cropping cycle, makes it an ideal candidate for commercial cultivation. The fruit is highly valued not only for fresh consumption but also for its application in a variety of value-added products such as milkshakes, juices, ice creams, jams, and conserves. Harvest maturity is typically determined when approximately 98% of the fruit is edible, ensuring optimal flavor and marketability. As a high-value cash crop, strawberry cultivation offers promising returns, especially for small-scale and part-time farmers seeking profitable alternatives to traditional crops. Recent trends have shown increased adoption of innovative cultivation practices, such as protected farming and the use of low tunnels, enabling multiple cropping cycles and better control over environmental variables. These methods contribute to improved yield and fruit quality, while also extending the growing season. Furthermore, the use of micropropagation techniques presents a viable solution for the large-scale production of disease-free planting materials, including virus-free and day-neutral cultivars. This biotechnological approach enhances uniformity, ensures genetic fidelity, and accelerates the availability of high-quality planting stock, which is essential for sustainable commercial production. The primary aim of this study is to explore and evaluate the cultivation strategies, propagation methods, irrigation practices, harvest, and post-harvest handling along with the challenges arises during the cultivation of strawberries. This piece of study paves a way for enhancing the productivity, quality, and profitability of strawberry cultivation along with the broader goal of promoting strawberry as a viable high-income crop across diverse Indian agro-climatic zones.