The Global Journey of a Local Favourite
The vast majority of strawberries grown commercially in India begin their life as 'mother plants' imported from countries like the United States (primarily California), Spain, and Italy. These are not seeds, but young, certified, and disease-free plants that
have been bred over years to produce high-quality fruit. This reliance is a core part of the business model for Indian strawberry farming, an industry where the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani belt alone accounts for about 85% of the country's total production. Varieties such as Chandler, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, and Winter Dawn are popular choices, selected for their yield, size, and shelf life.
What are Mother Plants and Why Import Them?
A mother plant is essentially a high-quality parent plant used for propagation. Instead of producing fruit, it sends out 'runners'—long stems that grow their own roots and develop into new, genetically identical 'daughter' plants. A single imported mother plant can produce an average of 20 daughter plants, which are then sold to farmers for cultivation. India imports these mother plants for several crucial reasons. Firstly, developing a stable, top-quality strawberry variety can take breeders in the US and Europe 10 to 15 years, and these varieties are often patented. Secondly, producing healthy mother plants requires specific climatic conditions—cool, temperate climates—that are not widely available in India. This controlled environment ensures the plants are free from viruses and diseases that could devastate a crop.
The Economics of Importing
This dependency comes at a significant cost for farmers. A single farmer might spend over ₹2 lakh each year on young plants. The initial investment in saplings can be around ₹2.5 lakh per acre, with additional costs for irrigation, mulching, and labour pushing the total investment higher. However, farmers continue to opt for imported varieties because the higher cost is often justified by larger yields, better fruit quality, and greater disease resistance, which can lead to higher market prices and profitability. If a season goes well, a farmer can potentially earn double their initial investment, but unpredictable weather makes it a high-risk gamble.
The Mahabaleshwar Model
In Mahabaleshwar, the process is highly organised. Mother saplings, often imported from California, arrive around June and are planted in nurseries in nearby areas like Wai. Licensed propagators multiply these mother plants to produce millions of runner plants. These runners are then harvested by September and replanted by farmers after the monsoon. This system, while efficient, makes the entire industry vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and import costs. Climate change adds another layer of risk, with mild winters and unseasonal heat affecting fruit size and slashing yields, sometimes by as much as 40%.
The Search for Self-Reliance
There is a growing ambition within India to reduce this reliance on foreign plant material. Agricultural research institutions are now working to develop indigenous, climate-resilient strawberry cultivars suited for Indian conditions. For example, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) has partnered with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) on breeding experiments using low-dose gamma irradiation to create new varieties. The goal is to develop plants that are more tolerant of local weather patterns, pests, and diseases. Success in this area could lower production costs for farmers, stabilise yields, and strengthen India’s position in the global horticulture market.
