Strawberry, traditionally a winter cash crop, is gaining momentum in Tripura’s agricultural sector due to its favorable winter climate and increasing local demand. For the first time, the State Horticulture Research Station in Nagicherra is experimenting with strawberry cultivation in both open fields and naturally ventilated playhouses.
Strawberries are widely grown in Indian regions like Mahabaleshwar, Nainital, Bangalore, and Kalimpong. Inspired by their success, Tripura is exploring its potential to grow this high-demand fruit, aiming to extend the harvest period for improved financial returns for farmers.
The experimental project employs four improved strawberry varieties: Festival, Winterdon, Ileana, and Formuna. Cultivated from tissue-culture seedlings sourced from Pune, 900 plants were grown in playhouses, and 304 were planted in open fields on November 13 and 14.
Over 40 days of monitoring and care have shown promising growth and flowering. Experts are optimistic about the yield meeting expectations, which could significantly boost the state’s agricultural economy.
“This year, we are cultivating in ventilated polyhouses because these structures maintain a controlled temperature, which takes about three months for strawberry plants to fruit. After three months, the production is typically over. However, by using these protected structures, we can extend the production period. We plan to complete the process by February, as the temperature rises after that,” said Sagarika Bhattacharjee, Assistant Director of the State Horticulture Research Center, Agartala.
She added, “With the use of our protective structures, we can extend the strawberry production period to three to five months. The only challenge might be the rain, which can cause some difficulties. I would advise the farmers of Tripura that this method is very profitable, as both the temperature and soil conditions here are very favourable for strawberry cultivation.”
This initiative highlights Tripura’s potential for diversifying its agricultural produce while offering a model for farmers to adopt strawberry farming as a lucrative livelihood. With a longer harvest period expected, the state could secure a strong position in India’s growing strawberry market.