Pune: In a transformative move, 55 farmers from 17 villages in the western tribal region of Ambegaon taluka have successfully embraced strawberry farming as an alternative to traditional crops.

Over the past two years, this transition has yielded high returns, inspiring many others to follow suit. Farmers report that the switch to strawberries has significantly improved their livelihoods.

Key Factors Behind the Shift

• Government Support: Farmers belonging to Scheduled Tribes are availing financial aid under the Central Budget Scheme (Nucleus Budget) to cultivate strawberries.

• Tourist Market: The Bhimashankar pilgrimage and tourist site provides a large customer base for locally grown strawberries.

• Expert Guidance: Agricultural officers, including Agricultural Assistant R.K. Virank and Supervisor C.D. Damse, are actively guiding farmers in strawberry farming techniques.

• Profitability: The high yield and profitability of strawberries, combined with government subsidies, make it an attractive crop.

Villages Leading the Pink Revolution

Farmers from villages such as Falode, Taleghar, Gadewadi, Rajewadi, and Borghar have become pioneers in strawberry farming. These regions now serve as key hubs for strawberry production in Ambegaon taluka.

Dhawala Pandurang Rade, a farmer from Falode, shared his success story: “We weren’t earning much from traditional paddy farming. Last year, I experimented with strawberry cultivation and saw excellent returns. This year, I’ve expanded to an additional two gunthas of land for strawberries, and the government subsidy has been a great help.”

Shivaji Revji Bhavari of Taleghar added: “I’ve planted strawberries on five gunthas of land and am seeing good production. The business brings daily income, unlike traditional crops, which only provide seasonal returns. Strawberry farming has been a blessing for my family.”

The farmers’ success demonstrates the potential of cash crops like strawberries to transform rural economies. With increasing participation, better guidance, and government support, Ambegaon taluka is setting an example for sustainable agricultural growth in Maharashtra.