Timely Rains Revive Strawberry Cultivation in Udhampur

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir), February 25: The recent spell of rainfall has brought much-needed relief to strawberry cultivators in Udhampur, who had been struggling with a prolonged dry spell that severely impacted their crops. Farmers, who had faced significant losses due to the lack of rainfall, now anticipate a revival of their yields.

Rashpal Singh, a local farmer, expressed his relief, stating, "The rainfall we received 3 to 4 days ago has been a major relief. The government provides subsidies on time—₹13,000 per kanal and ₹26,000 for two kanals. Despite losing 400-500 strawberry plants due to the dry spell, we now expect at least a 70 percent yield. Wheat cultivation was also affected, but the rains have rekindled our hopes."

Chief Horticulture Officer Brij Vallav Gupta confirmed that the government has extended financial assistance to farmers covering an area of 5 hectares. "We provide subsidies of ₹13,000 per kanal, though the farmers' overall investment per kanal is ₹26,000. With ample rainfall, all crops, particularly strawberries, are expected to flourish," he said.

He further explained the challenges farmers faced, stating that assured irrigation sources had started depleting, but the rainfall has helped restore them. "Strawberries require consistent water supply at every stage. Farmers have been earning ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 per kanal from strawberry cultivation, and with additional rainfall expected next week, the prospects look promising."

After enduring over four months of drought-like conditions, farmers in Udhampur are finally seeing a turnaround. Sanjeev Kumar, a farmer from Debrah village, emphasized the critical impact of the recent rainfall, stating, "If it hadn't rained, our crops would have been completely destroyed."

Withered fields and drying crops had left cultivators in distress, but the much-awaited rainfall has rekindled their hopes. Now, with the promise of a better harvest, farmers are optimistic about overcoming the challenges posed by the prolonged dry spell.