Pandemic woes: Despite bumper crop, strawberry farmers in Kashmir stare at huge losses

Even after producing more than last year, strawberry farmers in Kashmir have to bear much greater losses as markets, shops remain closed due to the pandemic-induced lockdown. The farmers from the hills plead to the government to help with storing the fruit because of its low shelf life.

The pandemic-stricken 2022 has been a bumper year for Kashmir’s first horticulture produce. Even though ripe and glossy strawberries hang from trees in abundance, the farmers have nowhere to sell. Although there has been a 20% increase, it’s not a cause of cheer for the growers in the valley. The farmers are not being able to get the desired return since they have nowhere to take the produce as most markets and shops are shut due to Covid-19-induced lockdown. The farmers said the government has not even thought of them; forget trying to rescue their crops. Kashmir produces 2,000 to 2,500 metric tonnes of strawberries each year. The cool and pleasant weather makes it suitable for strawberry cultivation.