Gandhinagar, May 20: Dang district has emerged as Gujarat’s largest strawberry-producing area, thanks to the state’s natural farming initiative. Farmers in the region are now earning up to ₹8 lakh per hectare annually from this lucrative crop.

According to government data, the area under strawberry cultivation in the district increased from 20 hectares in 2022-23 to approximately 33 hectares in 2025-26. Production has also seen a significant rise, from 140 metric tons in 2022-23 to an estimated 233 metric tons in 2025-26.

The state government attributes this growth to favorable climatic conditions, rising market demand, and the adoption of natural farming methods in this tribal district. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Dang was declared the country’s first natural farming district, leading to a widespread shift towards chemical-free farming practices among local farmers.

Officials noted that strawberries thrive in the district’s cool climate and nutrient-rich sandy-loam soil, which requires well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0. The crop also needs 8 to 12 hours of sunlight for flowering and fruit development, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures between 7 to 13 degrees Celsius. Farmers in the district are cultivating nine varieties of strawberries, including Winter Dawn, Early Winter, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, Nabila, Nabadi, Selva, Belerubi, and Pajero.

Among these, Winter Dawn has become the most popular variety, yielding excellent results from December to March. Large-scale strawberry farming has begun in several villages of Ahwa taluka, including Bhurapani, Borigawtha, Galkund, Kotmadar, Malegaon, Dabhass, Sonuniya, and Vanar. In Waghai taluka, farming has expanded in Kanchanpada, Ghodewahal, Murambi, and nearby villages.

The state government’s horticulture department has organized training camps and educational tours to promote natural farming and modern agricultural techniques. Farmers are receiving subsidies of 55 to 75 percent on strawberry plants and related expenses. Assistance is also being provided for mulching materials, plastic covers, crates, packing materials, and farming equipment such as mini tractors, rotavators, cultivators, and trolleys. Many farmers, who previously relied on industrial jobs and labor in Maharashtra’s fields, have now turned to strawberry farming.

Previously limited income from traditional crops like rice, nagli, urad, and varai has now transformed into annual earnings of approximately ₹7 lakh to ₹8 lakh per hectare from strawberry cultivation. Initially sold mainly in local markets of Saputara and Ahwa, strawberries grown in Dang are now being sent to larger markets in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Bharuch. Officials further stated that the expansion of farming has also created seasonal employment opportunities for local residents.

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