Gandhinagar: Dang has emerged as a key centre for strawberry cultivation in Gujarat, with the area under cultivation having grown from 20 hectares in 2022–23 to an estimated 33 hectares in 2025–26. Consequently, production has risen from 140 metric tonnes in 2022–23 to 196 metric tonnes in 2024–25 and is projected to reach 233 metric tonnes in 2025–26, a government release said.

Why Dang is Well-Suited for Strawberry Cultivation?

Dang offers naturally favorable conditions for strawberry cultivation. The crop thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Clean, well-drained soil free from harmful microorganisms supports healthy growth, while a suitable microclimate with consistent temperatures, rainfall, proper drainage, and airflow strengthens cultivation. As a short-day crop, strawberries require 8 to 12 hours of sunlight for flowering and fruit development, with ideal temperatures of 22°C to 25°C during the day and 7°C to 13°C at night.

Farmers Move to Natural Farming for Strawberry Cultivation

Farmers in Dang are transitioning to natural farming, supported by government training and guidance from the Horticulture Department. They cultivate a range of varieties, including Winter Dawn, Early Winter, Camaroza, Sweet Charlie, Nabhila, Nabady, Selva, Bellruby, and Pajero. Among these, Winter Dawn remains the most preferred, as it yields fruit from December through February and March. There are distinct village-level clusters growing strawberries. In Ahwa taluka, cultivation is concentrated in villages including Bhurapani, Borigavtha, Galkund, Kotamdar, Malegaon, Dabhas, Sonuniya, and Vanar. In Waghai taluka, cultivation is concentrated in Kanchanpada, Ghodwahal, Murambi, and nearby villages.

Government Support Strengthening Farmers

As per the press release, the central and state governments provide 55% to 75% assistance for tissue culture/runner seedlings, along with other input costs. Support also includes plastic covers, mulching material, plastic crates, packing materials, and farm mechanization equipment such as mini tractors, rotavators, cultivators, and trolleys. Through training programmes, seminars, and exposure visits, these initiatives by the Horticulture Department have helped farmers improve productivity and adopt modern cultivation techniques.

Strawberries Boost Farmer Incomes

Before taking up strawberry cultivation, many local farmers depended on wage labour in nearby industrial areas and farms in Maharashtra. Locally, they grew traditional crops such as paddy, nagli, urad, and varai, with limited success in vegetables. Water scarcity and irregular income remained key challenges. After shifting to strawberry cultivation, farmers now manage their own high-value natural farming operations. Today, strawberry cultivation has become a profitable alternative. Produce that was initially sold in local markets such as Saputara and Ahwa is now reaching larger markets in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Bharuch. Farmers now earn around ₹7 to ₹8 lakh per hectare annually, ensuring stable incomes while also generating seasonal employment opportunities for local workers. DeshGujarat