Farmers in the Banki area in Cuttack district are reaping the benefits of strawberry cultivation, turning it into a lucrative source of income. By shifting from traditional paddy farming to strawberry cultivation, local farmers have significantly increased their earnings. The strawberries, bright red and juicy, rival the taste of those grown in Maharashtra. Visually appealing and delicious, these berries have captured the attention of consumers.
The growing demand for strawberries has reportedly encouraged more farmers to adopt this crop, leading to considerable economic gains. This trend is particularly visible in Pathapur Panchayat under the Damapada block in the district. Moving away from conventional paddy farming, farmers are exploring foreign fruit cultivation, unlocking new avenues for higher income.
“Acting on the advice of officials from the Horticulture Department, we started strawberry cultivation for the first time in the Banki area. The harvest has now begun, and the strawberries taste as good as those grown in Maharashtra. The Horticulture Department also advised us to follow organic farming practices, and we are cultivating the crop accordingly,” said Santosh Kumar Nayak, a farmer.
Typically, Banki’s agriculture-driven produce reaches various cities for sale. However, the profitability of strawberries on limited land has motivated many farmers to switch to this cash crop. Within just three months, the land yields high-quality strawberries. With a flavour comparable to Maharashtra’s berries, they enjoy strong demand not only in local markets but also from hotels and tourists.
Strawberries from Banki have now carved a niche in major markets, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, establishing a fresh identity for the region
Read More