Strawberry farming
Health benefits of strawberries
How to grow strawberries
Strawberry cultivation
Strawberry uses
Profitable fruit farming
Organic strawberry
Strawberries are more than just delicious red fruits—they are a symbol of love, health, and prosperity. With increasing demand across the globe, strawberry farming is fast becoming one of the most profitable fruit farming ventures. Whether you’re a commercial farmer, a backyard grower, or a health-conscious consumer, this guide will cover everything you need to know about strawberries.
What is Strawberry
The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a sweet, red, and juicy fruit from the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid species, cultivated widely for its taste, aroma, and health properties.
Botanical Name: Fragaria × ananassa
Common Names: Strawberry, Jahodová (Czech), Fresa (Spanish), Fraise (French)
Origin: Europe and North America
History of Strawberry Cultivation
The history of strawberries dates back to ancient Rome, where they were used for medicinal purposes. Modern-day strawberries are the result of a cross between Fragaria virginiana from North America and Fragaria chiloensis from South America in the 18th century.
Strawberries were introduced to India by the British and are now widely cultivated in states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
How to Grow Strawberries: Step-by-Step Cultivation Guide
- Best Climate and Season
Climate: Temperate to subtropical
Ideal Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Strawberry Season in India: November to March
- Soil Requirements
Type: Sandy loam soil with good drainage
pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5
Soil Preparation:
Deep plowing and fine tilth
Add 20-25 tons of organic compost per hectare
- Propagation
Mainly through runners or tissue culture plants
Avoid seeds for commercial farming
- Planting Process
Spacing: 30 cm × 30 cm
Method: Raised beds or plastic mulch beds
Irrigation: Drip irrigation is best
- Sunlight and Irrigation
Needs full sun exposure (6–8 hours daily)
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging
Pests and Diseases in Strawberry
- Common Pests:
Aphids
Thrips
Spider mites
White Grubs
Control Methods:
Neem oil spray
Sticky traps
Insecticidal soap
Chemical: Imidacloprid, Abamectin (use carefully)
- Common Diseases:
Powdery mildew
Botrytis fruit rot (Gray mold)
Leaf spot
Control:
Use resistant varieties
Maintain spacing and airflow
Copper-based fungicide or Sulfur dusting
Organic Strawberry Farming Tips
Use vermicompost and bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB)
Mulching with straw or black plastic
Use Trichoderma viride for fungal protection
Spray neem + garlic extract for pest control
Strawberry Farming Profit per Acre
Cost of Cultivation (Per Acre):
Item Approximate Cost (INR)
Land Preparation ₹10,000
Seedlings/Runners ₹40,000
Irrigation & Mulching ₹15,000
Fertilizers & Pesticides ₹10,000
Labor ₹20,000
Miscellaneous ₹5,000
Total Cost ₹1,00,000
Production:
Yield per Acre: 8,000 to 12,000 kg
Income:
Average selling price: ₹80–₹150/kg
Gross Income: ₹8,00,000 to ₹18,00,000
Net Profit: ₹7–17 lakh/acre (depending on quality and market)
Strawberry Market and Export Potential
Strawberries are in high demand in:
Supermarkets and organic stores
Juice & jam industries
Ice cream and dessert brands
Hotels and restaurants
Exporting Countries:
UAE
UK
Russia
Singapore
Bangladesh
India’s export of strawberries is growing every year due to organic farming trends and off-season availability through polyhouse farming.
Uses of Strawberry
- Culinary Uses:
Eaten fresh
Juices, smoothies, milkshakes
Ice creams, desserts, cakes
Jams, jellies, and syrups
- Medicinal and Herbal Uses:
Controls high blood pressure
Rich in antioxidants
Fights inflammation
Improves heart and brain health
- Cosmetic Uses:
Skin whitening creams
Face masks and scrubs
Lip balms and lotions
Health Benefits of Strawberries
✅ 1. Rich in Vitamin C
One cup of strawberries gives more than 100% of daily Vitamin C needs.
✅ 2. Powerful Antioxidants
Fights free radicals and slows aging.
✅ 3. Heart Health
Contains anthocyanins
Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
Improves HDL (good cholesterol)
✅ 4. Diabetes-Friendly
Low glycemic index, safe for blood sugar levels
✅ 5. Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C, manganese, and fiber boost natural defense
✅ 6. Skin and Hair Benefits
Reduces acne
Promotes glow
Prevents hair fall
Strawberry By-Products and Value Addition
- Strawberry Jam & Jelly
- Strawberry Wine
- Dehydrated Strawberry Snacks
- Strawberry Syrup
- Essential Oil and Flavor Extracts
These can increase your profit margins by 2–3X.
How to Grow Strawberries at Home (Container Farming)
Steps:
- Choose a wide container with 8-inch depth
- Use well-draining potting mix + compost
- Plant runners or nursery seedlings
- Place in full sun (balcony, terrace)
- Water regularly and avoid overwatering
- Mulch with straw or dry leaves
Yield: Up to 300–500g per plant per season
Season: Oct to March in India
Best Strawberry Varieties in India
Variety Name Features
Chandler High yield, sweet taste
Sweet Charlie Early maturing, aromatic
Winter Dawn Disease resistant, high quality
Nabila Ideal for organic farming
Camarosa Popular export variety
Regions Where Strawberries Are Grown in India
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra (Biggest producer)
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Meghalaya (Organic strawberries)
Bangalore outskirts
Challenges in Strawberry Farming
Requires cold storage if transport is delayed
Perishable nature (short shelf life)
Susceptible to diseases in humid areas
Market fluctuations
Solutions:
Use polyhouse for off-season and controlled climate
Invest in local cold chains
Sell directly via farmers’ markets or online apps
Tips for Success in Strawberry Farming
Start with 1-acre test farming
Use black plastic mulch to prevent weeds
Install drip with fertigation
Choose local disease-resistant varieties
Focus on direct retail or value-added products
Apply for government subsidies (MIDH, NHM)
Government Support and Subsidy
MIDH Scheme: Horticulture subsidy up to 50%
PMFME Scheme: For processing units
Startup India: For agribusiness startups
State Horticulture Departments: Provide runners and technical support
Global Strawberry Market Overview
Top Producers: China, USA, Mexico, Turkey
Top Consumers: USA, UK, Germany, France
Global Market Size (2024): $30 Billion+
Annual Growth Rate: 5.5% CAGR
🎯 Conclusion
Strawberries offer the perfect mix of profitability, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re a large-scale farmer or a rooftop gardener, strawberry farming opens the doors to health, happiness, and high income. By understanding the correct methods of cultivation, disease control, and market trends, you can turn this red fruit into a green business opportunity.
✍️ Author: Real Neel
Founder – World Farming Story