PATACHARKUCHI, March 28 - Encouraged by surging demand for strawberry in the market, a section of farmers of Bezkuchi village of Patacharkuchi has started strawberry farming.
�Our strawberry is sold in the market at Rs 400-Rs500 per kg, and we have been able to attract customers from different places,� Sunil Deka of the village told the ANN Service.
The farmer, who began cultivation three months back on a small plot, has a plan to expand his cultivation. Citing reasons in this regard, the young farmer claimed that strawberry has a huge demand owing to its medicinal values for which he would increase cultivation areas.
�In Assam, strawberry is imported from Meghalaya and West Bengal. However, farmers of Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon have now started cultivation this fruit,� the farmer claimed.
Ramen Deka, another farmer of the village has been able to fetch substantial revenues from his strawberry farm.
� I started cultivation with 500 saplings on an experimental basis, but results are very satisfactory. I am planning to cultivate more ,� An elated farmer said. Gunin Deka and Khagen Deka have now become self-reliant by their strawberry farming.
�We have received a positive response from the buyers, and, therefore, we are in the process of expanding our cultivation areas,� they added. They also appealed to the youths to start strawberry cultivation instead of searching jobs.
According to a report, strawberry needs a temperate climate for cultivation although some of the varieties can grow in subtropical climate.
