Turning the saying “Hard work brings prosperity” into reality, progressive farmer Sher-e-Punjab Singh Kahalon from Virk village in Gurdaspur district has carved a niche in strawberry farming. For the past 10 years, he has been successfully growing strawberries and earning substantial profits.
Kahalon shared that he has cultivated strawberries on six kanals of land this year. Compared to traditional crops, strawberry farming has provided him with significantly higher returns. Instead of relying solely on wholesale markets, he markets his produce independently and delivers fresh strawberries directly to customers’ homes, helping him secure better prices.
He explained that strawberry planting begins in October, and the crop is ready for harvest by February. Marketing starts after February 20. The crop requires careful management, as it must be protected from extreme cold and heavy rainfall. Clear weather conditions are highly favorable for better yield.
The seedlings are sourced from Una in Himachal Pradesh and Mahabaleshwar. One of the major challenges is damage caused by bulbul birds when the fruit ripens. To prevent this, he installs reflective tapes and audio deterrents around the field.
Initially, Kahalon sold his produce in mandis but received lower prices. Later, he shifted to social media marketing, built a direct customer base, and began offering home delivery services. This move doubled his profits, as customers now place orders directly with him.
He practices organic farming methods, using sour buttermilk and neem spray to protect the crop from pests and fungal infections, along with organic manure.
Appealing to fellow farmers, Kahalon encouraged them to move beyond the traditional wheat-paddy cycle and adopt crop diversification. With expert guidance, proper knowledge, and dedication, farmers can write their own success stories.
