Kashmir produces around 2,000 – 2,500 tons of strawberries each year, it being the first fruit crop of the season there. Gussu village on the outskirts of Kashmir has the highest number of people growing strawberries. The harvesting process of the strawberry crop is in full swing in Srinagar now.
This year was one of the best years for strawberry growers in Jammu and Kashmir as the crop saw about a 20% increase in yield. However, due to the COVID-induced lockdown and restrictions, the strawberry farmers are struggling.
Growing strawberries was a profitable venture till the pandemic struck. Tourists are the major buyers of strawberries in Kashmir. But with the surge in COVID cases, there has been a sharp decline in the tourist inflow, which has severely impacted the market.
Source: thehindu.com