In recent years, strawberry farming has emerged as one of the most profitable agri-business ideas in India. Once seen only in cold-weather regions, strawberries are now being successfully grown in several states across India, thanks to improved farming techniques, polyhouse farming, and climate-resilient varieties. If you have land and a small investment, strawberry cultivation can become your way to earn lakhs per season.
In this article, we will understand every detail of how to start strawberry farming, how much investment it needs, how much profit it gives, and what steps are involved to make this business successful.
🍓 Why Choose Strawberry Farming as a Business?
Strawberries are not just tasty but also very profitable. Here are some reasons why this business is trending in India:
- High demand in cities and metros
- Can be grown in open fields or polyhouses
- One-time plantation gives fruit for years
- Low space needed for good yield
- The price per kg is much higher than regular fruits
- Suitable for small and medium farmers
- High-profit margins even on small land
This business is ideal for both full-time farmers and educated youth looking for side income or starting their venture.
📍 Suitable Regions for Strawberry Cultivation in India
Traditionally, strawberries were grown in hilly regions like Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), Nainital (Uttarakhand), and Kashmir. But now, with polyhouse and drip irrigation, strawberries are also grown in:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh (especially in Noida, Meerut, Saharanpur)
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Madhya Pradesh
- Punjab and Haryana
Even in semi-urban and warm areas, strawberries can be grown if you manage the climate properly with shade nets and sprinklers.
🌱 How to Start Strawberry Farming: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Land Preparation
Strawberries grow best in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Loamy and sandy soil is ideal.
- Soil pH should be 5.5 to 6.5
- Use organic manure or vermicompost to enrich the soil
- Make raised beds for proper drainage
- Add neem cake to protect from pests
2. Selecting the Right Variety
Choosing the correct variety is key to success. Some popular varieties in India include:
- Chandler
- Sweet Charlie
- Winter Dawn
- Festival
- Camarosa
- Pusa Early Dwarf (by IARI)
Each variety has its own taste, shelf life, and yield. For beginners, Chandler and Sweet Charlie are good options due to higher productivity.
3. Planting Process
- Planting is done in October-November
- Buy high-quality saplings from trusted nurseries
- Plant them in rows with a spacing of 1.5 ft between plants and 2.5 ft between rows
- Use mulch sheets to protect from weeds and retain moisture
- Install drip irrigation for water management
4. Care and Management
- Use organic fertilizers every 15 days
- Monitor regularly for pests like red spider mites, nematodes, and aphids
- Prune the dry or infected leaves to keep the plant healthy
- Keep birds away using nets during the fruiting season
- Use bio-fungicides to avoid fruit rot
💧 Irrigation and Climate Needs
Strawberries need regular but not excessive water. Drip irrigation is the best method because:
- It saves water
- Delivers nutrients directly to roots
- Avoids fungal diseases caused by wet leaves
The ideal temperature for strawberry farming is 15°C to 26°C. If your region is too hot, use a polyhouse or shade nets to control temperature.
💸 Cost of Starting Strawberry Farming
Below is an approximate breakdown of starting strawberry cultivation on 1 acre:
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
| Land preparation | Rs.10,000 |
| Saplings (8,000-10,000) | Rs.80,000 – Rs.1,00,000 |
| Drip irrigation setup | Rs.25,000 |
| Mulching and beds | Rs.10,000 |
| Organic manure & pesticides | Rs.15,000 |
| Labour | Rs.20,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Rs.10,000 |
| Total Investment | Rs.1.6 lakh – Rs.1.8 lakh |
📦 Harvesting and Yield
Strawberry plants start giving fruits 90-100 days after planting. You can expect:
- 10 to 14 tonnes of yield per acre per season
- Harvesting goes on for about 4-5 weeks
- One plant can give 300-400 grams of fruit
With good care, each acre can give around 10,000 kg of strawberries in a season.
🛍️ Selling and Marketing
Strawberries are in high demand in supermarkets, fruit shops, and food processing units. You can sell directly to:
- Local fruit markets
- Supermarkets and malls
- Juice and dessert shops
- Ice cream companies
- Hotels and restaurants
You can also sell through online platforms or create your farm brand and deliver fresh strawberries locally.
💰 Profit from Strawberry Farming
The average price of strawberries in cities is Rs.150 to Rs.300 per kg, depending on quality and location. Let’s take an average price of Rs.200/kg.
If you produce 10,000 kg in one acre:
- Total Revenue = Rs.20 lakh
- Total Cost = Rs.1.8 lakh
- Net Profit = Rs.18.2 lakh
This shows the huge earning potential even from one acre of land if done properly. Some successful farmers in Maharashtra and UP are earning over Rs.30 lakh annually with multiple acres under strawberry farming.
👨🌾 Government Support and Subsidies
Many state governments and NABARD offer subsidies for:
- Polyhouse construction
- Drip irrigation systems
- Organic inputs
- Training programs
You can apply through the Horticulture Department or local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The PM Kusum Yojana also supports farmers for solar-powered irrigation.
🚜 Tips for New Strawberry Farmers
- Start with a small plot to learn the techniques
- Visit successful farms and take guidance
- Use YouTube or government portals for training
- Avoid chemical fertilizers and use organic options
- Choose varieties as per your local climate
- Focus on post-harvest handling to reduce spoilage
