India Cultivates Domestic Strawberry Varieties Amidst Technological Advancements
Farmers are embracing hydroponics, AI, and social media to overcome weather challenges and reduce reliance on imported strawberry genetics.
Indian strawberry farmers are increasingly turning to advanced cultivation techniques and technology to improve yields, mitigate weather-related losses, and foster domestic innovation in strawberry varieties. A growing number of farms are investing in technology, including hydroponics and AI-powered weather monitoring, to overcome the challenges posed by unpredictable rainfall during peak harvesting seasons.
Ketan Yashwant Sodha, founder and CEO of Berry Fresh Agrotech, transitioned from traditional open-field farming after facing consistent crop losses due to unseasonal rains in November, December, and early January. In 2022, he began experimenting with hydroponics, a soil-less cultivation method that allows for precise control over water, nutrients, light, and temperature. Despite initial setbacks and significant losses, Sodha refined his approach.
"The soil is forgiving; hydroponics does not forgive," Sodha stated, highlighting the system's sensitivity to errors. "If you make a mistake today, you will wake up tomorrow morning to a disaster—and the recovery time in hydroponics takes twice as long as soil."
His perseverance has led to the trial of 19 different strawberry varieties, including rare Japanese types, and a specific Netherlands variety currently unique to his farm in India. By managing water intake to 750ml per plant daily, Berry Fresh Agrotech produces berries with concentrated sugars and aromas. Regular laboratory testing of plant leaves and petioles, termed "blood work" by Sodha, ensures precise nutrient delivery. The use of semi-open polyhouses enables year-round cultivation, transforming strawberries from a seasonal fruit to a consistent product.
Berry Fresh Agrotech is now preparing to scale up its operations, with plans to expand to a five-acre facility capable of housing 200,000 plants after establishing trial facilities, standard operating procedures, and farm manuals.
In Mahabaleshwar, Krishan Bhilare, whose family has farmed strawberries for generations, is part of a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) network implementing AI-driven weather monitoring. Towers installed across their land collect weather data, which AI uses to predict rainfall. Farmers receive advisories to optimize spraying schedules, preventing expensive chemicals from being washed away.
The FPO is also developing vertical farming towers, utilizing a coco-peat substrate to grow strawberries in stacked layers. This method can increase plant density from 25,000 to 125,000 plants per acre, effectively multiplying production capacity on the same land footprint.
Sheetal Danavle and her husband also experimented with hydroponic strawberry farming in 2017, achieving 100% success with organic fruits and noting significant savings in labor and farming inputs. However, a severe cyclone that same year destroyed their hydroponic setup, deterring them from rebuilding. Danavle returned to traditional farming methods but incorporated a digital strategy, using social media to share cultivation videos and invite tourists to her farm for pick-your-own experiences. This direct-to-consumer model has cut out intermediaries and increased profits, positioning her as an influencer and entrepreneur.
These advancements aim to bolster India's domestic strawberry production and reduce its dependence on imported varieties from the U.S. and Europe. Large farms with substantial resources are leading the investment in new technologies, but the lessons learned by farmers like Sodha and the community-driven initiatives of FPOs are paving the way for broader adoption.