"Growers generally start planting by late August. But this year, we had rains throughout September. Strawberries start coming into the markets in October normally, but this year the produce will come in by November-end. Hardly any strawberries are expected by [the festival of] Diwali, a time when close to 40% of the produce normally hits the markets," stated Nitin Bhilare, president of the All India Strawberry Growers' Association.
A strawberry grower in Wai told TOI that he planted strawberries in September. "After a few days of rain, 50% of the young plants died. A group of farmers in Wai had ordered 10,000 mother plants from California, but only 30% did not have a fungal infection. The rest rotted. Of the 3,000 saplings that we planted, close to 1,500 died in the September rain.”
The farmers are now replanting and the fruits will be ready for harvest after 50-60 days. So during Diwali, when there is much demand for this fruit, there will not be too many strawberries around.
A strawberry grower in Wai told TOI that he planted strawberries in September. "After a few days of rain, 50% of the young plants died. A group of farmers in Wai had ordered 10,000 mother plants from California, but only 30% did not have a fungal infection. The rest rotted. Of the 3,000 saplings that we planted, close to 1,500 died in the September rain.”
The farmers are now replanting and the fruits will be ready for harvest after 50-60 days. So during Diwali, when there is much demand for this fruit, there will not be too many strawberries around.
