The Climate Challenge for a Temperate Fruit
Traditionally, strawberry cultivation in India has been concentrated in temperate, high-altitude regions like Mahabaleshwar, which produces around 85% of the country's total output. The crop thrives in cooler weather, but climate change is bringing new
threats. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and water scarcity make it increasingly difficult for farmers to cultivate the delicate fruit. Most varieties grown in India are of foreign origin, such as 'Chandler' and 'Sweet Charlie', which are not always suited to the country's diverse and changing agro-climatic conditions. These challenges threaten the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who depend on this high-value crop and limit its cultivation to a few select pockets of the country.
A Powerful Scientific Partnership
To address this vulnerability, a unique partnership was forged between the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) in Rahuri, a leading agricultural university, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, the nation's premier nuclear research facility. The project combines MPKV's deep expertise in horticulture and crop science with BARC's pioneering work in using nuclear technology for agricultural applications. The goal was ambitious: to develop new, indigenous varieties of strawberries that could not only survive but thrive in India's warmer plains and withstand the mounting pressures of climate change.
The Science of Mutation Breeding
The core of this project lies in a scientific technique called radiation-induced mutation breeding. Scientists at BARC exposed runners (stems from the mother plant) of local strawberry varieties to controlled, low doses of gamma radiation. This process accelerates the natural rate of genetic mutation, creating a wide spectrum of new traits within the plant's DNA. It is important to note that this method does not make the plant or its fruit radioactive; it simply speeds up a natural process to generate genetic diversity. From the thousands of mutated plants, researchers at MPKV then meticulously screen and select the ones that exhibit desirable characteristics, such as tolerance to heat, resistance to diseases, or improved fruit quality. This technique has been safely and successfully used for decades to develop hundreds of improved crop varieties in India and worldwide.
Introducing the 'Super' Strawberries
The collaboration has already yielded remarkable results. Two new varieties, named 'Akshaya' and 'Anupama', have been developed and are showing immense promise. These made-in-India strawberries are specifically designed for the nation's agricultural landscape. They have demonstrated a higher tolerance for warmer temperatures, allowing them to be cultivated in regions previously considered unsuitable for the crop. Furthermore, these varieties boast a longer shelf life, addressing a major pain point for farmers who often face significant post-harvest losses due to the fruit's perishable nature. The fruits are also noted for their excellent flavour and quality, ensuring they are well-received by consumers.
From Lab to Land: A Sweeter Future for Farmers
The impact of this project extends far beyond the laboratory. For farmers, these climate-resilient varieties represent a significant opportunity. They can expand strawberry cultivation into new, non-traditional areas, diversifying their income and reducing their reliance on a handful of crops. The ability to grow a high-value fruit like the strawberry with greater resilience to heat and water stress provides a crucial economic buffer against the uncertainties of climate change. By reducing dependence on imported planting materials, the project also aligns with the national goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliance in agriculture. The success of these new varieties could pave the way for a strawberry revolution across the plains of Maharashtra and other states.
