A Crop Under Climate Stress
Traditionally grown in cooler climes like Mahabaleshwar, which accounts for about 85% of India's production, the strawberry is a delicate crop. It thrives in a narrow temperature window, ideally between 15°C and 25°C. However, recent years have seen unseasonal
heatwaves where temperatures soar above 35°C, severely impacting the harvest. This extreme heat causes several problems: flowers drop before they can become fruit, berries ripen too quickly, resulting in smaller and less flavourful produce, and the plants become more susceptible to pests and diseases. Farmers in key growing regions like Maharashtra and even Kashmir report that entire crops can be ruined by a single spell of heavy rain or a sudden heatwave, turning a profitable venture into a massive financial loss.
The Problem with Imports
Currently, the Indian strawberry industry is heavily reliant on plant varieties imported from California, Florida, Italy, and Spain. These cultivars, such as Chandler, Camarosa, and Winter Dawn, are popular but were not bred for India's increasingly challenging agro-climatic conditions. Each year, farmers must invest significantly in purchasing these young plants, as they need to be replaced every season. This dependency on foreign genetics not only creates a financial burden but also leaves farmers vulnerable when these varieties fail to perform optimally under local heat and humidity stress.
India's Home-Grown Solution
In response, Indian agricultural scientists are stepping up to develop indigenous, climate-resilient strawberry cultivars. At the forefront is a collaboration between Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), an agricultural university in Maharashtra, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Their ambitious project aims to create India's first home-grown strawberry variety. Using techniques like low-dose gamma irradiation, researchers are working to induce stable genetic mutations that can fast-track the development of a plant that not only tolerates Indian heatwaves but also produces the large, firm fruit that consumers demand. This is a long-term project, but its goal is to break the reliance on foreign varieties and give Indian farmers a more sustainable and reliable option.
The Search for Climate-Ready Berries
While a completely new Indian variety may be years away, research is already identifying existing varieties that perform better in warmer conditions. Studies across the country, from Rajasthan to Assam, are testing different cultivars for their suitability. For instance, researchers in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, found that the 'Winter Dawn' variety was particularly successful in adapting to the local climate after testing over a dozen others. Similarly, farmers are experimenting with new cultivation methods, such as hydroponics and protected cultivation in polyhouses, to better control growing conditions and shield plants from extreme weather. These efforts, combined with the push for new breeds, represent a multi-pronged approach to securing the crop's future.
Why a Resilient Strawberry Matters
Developing heat-tolerant strawberries is about more than just ensuring a steady supply for desserts and smoothies. For thousands of farmers, it’s a matter of livelihood. A successful domestic breeding program would reduce costs for growers, improve crop stability, and enhance profitability. It would also showcase India's growing prowess in agricultural research and development. For consumers, it means more consistent availability and potentially more stable prices for a favourite fruit. By investing in home-grown solutions, India is not just adapting to climate change but is also cultivating a more secure and self-reliant future for its horticultural sector.
