As the early morning sun warms the fields of Kashmir’s famous ‘Strawberry Village’ in Gassoo, located near Dargah Hazratbal on the outskirts of Srinagar, the farmers have begun harvesting their first bunch of vibrant red strawberries, marking the start of the much-awaited season.
The village, known for its fertile soil and favourable climate has emerged as a hub for strawberry cultivation over the past few years.With baskets in hand and hope in their hearts, farmers say the harvest brings not just income but a deep sense of satisfaction.
Despite a favourable yield this season, growers are witnessing a steep decline in both demand and prices.Farmers attribute the slump to recent cross-border tensions and reduced tourist footfall following the militant attack in Pahalgam.
Manzoor Ahmad Dar, one of the many farmers in Gassu currently harvesting strawberries, says the weather has been ideal, leading to early ripening. “The weather has been perfect, and the fruit ripened earlier than usual. But good weather has not brought good business, as people are afraid,” he says. He add that there are fewer tourists, and locals spending only on essentials. “Strawberries have a short shelf life-they need to be eaten within a day or two,” he says.That perishability, which usually gives early harvests a price advantage, has turned into a disadvantage this year as buyers remain scarce.
Bilal Ahmad Thokar, who cultivates strawberries on two to three kanals of land, echoes the concerns. “We started with a small patch, and now the whole family helps during the season. We even hire additional laborers. We have introduced multiple varieties, including hybrids, and grow them organically. But the market depends heavily on tourism. After the Pahalgam attack, tourists stopped coming, and our sales dropped drastically,” he added.
Farmers witness a 10-20% hike in demand after the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. However, they say it is not enough to make up for the financial losses. “Yes, demand has risen slightly, but it cannot undo the damage. Strawberries perish quickly, and the losses are inevitable,” he says.
The farmers urged the Horticulture Department to step in. “We request the authorities to assess our losses and guide us on how to mitigate the financial damage,” Thokar said.