India sees strawberry production fall 33% after late winter

A late winter is having a significant effect on the price and supply of strawberries in the region of Maharashtra. The production of the fruit has come down by around 33% as several farmers could not sow seeds due to the late arrival of winter season.

In Maharashtra alone, strawberries are cultivated on around 2,500 acres of land. But this year, the fruit was cultivated only on around 1,800 acres of land. Balasaheb Bhillare, president of Strawberry Growers Association of India said, "The late arrival of winter forced several farmers to do away from the cultivation as chances of good yield was very low. This has also impacted on the yield of the fruit." He added that availability of the fruit in the market is less by around 30 to 40 per cent.

The Mumbai Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi has been receiving around 60 to 70 tonnes per day. At present, premium quality strawberry is available at Rs 150 to Rs 160 per kg in Vashi's APMC market.

Bhillare, the president of Strawberry Growers Association of India is optimistic that the price of strawberries will come down in a fortnight. "The supply will increase by January end and premium quality strawberry will be available at Rs 80 per kg," said Bhillare.

source: dnaindia.com