Government Regulations Dampen Strawberry Prospects

Pune: The Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani belt, which reports for nearly 85 per cent of India's strawberry produce, is exulting in a bumper crop this year, but prospects for an even better 2008 season are dampened by worries over government regulations. With 1,500 acres already under cultivation and a super season of 9,000 tonnes of fruit under their belt, the 850 farmers in the region are setting their eyes on upping the area to 2,000 acres by July-August when planting starts. The aim for the next season is 15,000 tonnes. Every year new plantation has to be done, as the old plants are susceptible to disease and give poor yield. The All India Strawberry Growers Association, reaffirms that every year delays lead to a last-minute scramble in April/May to get the orders released in time to ensure July deliveries.
The Californian variety that is popular here yields an average of 6-8 tonnes of fruit per acre against 20-25 tonnes when really aggressive farming techniques are used. To give a fillip to the strawberry industry, it pushes for decreasing the duty on plant imports, including the prevailing quarantine charge of Rs 1.50 per plant. A 2,000-tonne order from Unilever, France is awaiting signing on the dotted line, and with a host of retail chains clamouring to reach this luscious fruit to more far-flung clients, the fear may not be entirely far fetched.