Prayagraj's Barren Trans-Yamuna Lands Blossom into a Strawberry Paradise
In a remarkable agricultural transformation, the once barren and rocky terrain of the trans-Yamuna region in Prayagraj has been converted into a veritable treasure trove. A pioneering group of forward-thinking farmers is spearheading this change, dramatically altering the landscape through the innovative cultivation of strawberries.
Meja Area Leads the Charge with Protected Cultivation
Farmers in the Meja area have boldly shifted from traditional crops to strawberry farming within polyhouses, leveraging advanced mulching technology. This technique involves covering the soil with materials like organic straw, leaves, wood chips, or inorganic plastics to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, regulate temperature, and prevent erosion. The growing appetite for strawberries in major metropolitan cities has motivated more agriculturists to adopt this method, significantly boosting their income potential.
Jigyasu Mishra: A Trailblazer in High-Yield Farming
Leading this agricultural revolution is Jigyasu Mishra, a farmer from Meja. With support from the horticulture department, Mishra has established four polyhouses and one net house on a single acre of land. Inside these controlled environments, he cultivates crops that are in high demand within the hotel and food industries.
"The production, demand, and profit have been exceptional," Mishra enthusiastically reported. "I opted for the Winter Dawn variety of strawberries, which offers a higher yield per hectare compared to other types. The fruit is brighter and boasts a longer shelf life, making it ideal for transportation."
By employing mulching technology within the polyhouses, Mishra incurred an initial cost of Rs 4 to 5 lakh per acre. However, this investment paid off handsomely, generating an impressive revenue of Rs 25 to 30 lakh from just one crop cycle. The wholesale price for strawberries has reached Rs 400 per kilogram, with most supplies being dispatched to key markets in Varanasi and Lucknow.
Government Support Fuels Agricultural Innovation
While protected cultivation demands a higher upfront investment, the Uttar Pradesh government is actively providing comprehensive support and financial assistance to encourage such ventures. District Horticulture Officer Saurabh Srivastava emphasized that the state administration is promoting innovation in agriculture by advocating for horticulture and farming in polyhouses and net houses.
"This initiative has inspired progressive farmers like Mishra to step forward," Srivastava noted. "Under the horticulture department's Integrated Horticulture Development Mission scheme, Mishra constructed four polyhouses with a 50% subsidy, where he successfully cultivates strawberries."
Farmers have also confirmed receiving additional financial aid from the department for purchasing strawberry saplings. Witnessing the substantial profitability of this venture, numerous other farmers are now transitioning to this advanced cultivation method, signaling a broader shift towards sustainable and lucrative agricultural practices in the region.
