Timely rain ensures better strawberry crop in Kashmir

Timely rain in Kashmir Valley is expected to fetch ample profits to the growers of strawberry fruits.

"Last year we did cultivation of 75% and now this year further we are expecting 100%. This is the first crop after winters. Growers are happy because of timely rainfall and we are packing strawberries and sending them to markets," said Altaf Ahmad, a grower of strawberries.

Encouraged by the farmers' interest in cultivating strawberries, the horticulture department is helping them with inputs for better production of strawberries.

"It is good if farmers focus on strawberry farming. This is the first fruit, which comes after winter here. We can process and prepare jam, juice and jellies from it and also it is very good for health," GN Kumar, planning officer, horticulture department.

The horticulture department has prompted farmers to be actively involved in the entire process, ranging from cultivation to its packaging and marketing.

At present, the strawberries from the Kashmir valley are supplied to states in north India, including Delhi.

The cool and dry climate of Kashmir is suitable for fruits like strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, plums, grapes, mulberries, peaches, apricots, walnuts and almonds, which require moderate rainfall and bright sunshine.