India's Agricultural Sector Shifts Focus to Domestic Strawberry Varieties Amid Weather Challenges
India is making strides to reduce its dependency on foreign strawberry varieties by investing in innovative agricultural techniques. Ketan Yashwant Sodha, CEO of Berry Fresh Agrotech, has been experimenting with hydroponics to combat the adverse effects of unpredictable weather on traditional open-field farming. Despite initial setbacks, Sodha's efforts have led to successful trials of various strawberry varieties, including rare Japanese and Dutch types. The use of hydroponics allows for precise control over water and nutrient supply, resulting in higher quality fruit. Meanwhile, Krishan Bhilare, part of a Farmer Producer Organisation, is utilizing AI and vertical farming to enhance productivity. These advancements aim to increase yield and reduce losses, offering a sustainable solution for India's strawberry farmers. 
