INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
ANI | Updated: Jun 06, 2019 14:44 ISTSrinagar (Kashmir) [India], June 6 (ANI): Strawberry growers in the scenic Kashmir valley are
expecting bumper returns from the crop this season.The harvest, which usually begins in April, was pushed ahead this time owing to rainfall
which came as a blessing in disguise boosting the fruit produce
Growers now hope that the high yields are met with equally high demand in the market."This time the produce is really good a little rain and
the right weather has helped the produce
If it was too hot the loss would have been more
Strawberry is the first to be harvested, last year we started on 25th April
This year harvesting has been slightly delayed," said a grower.The lush green and red fields of strawberries are a beautiful sight with many
growers engrossed in harvesting the fruit.Apples, cherries, grapes, apricots, plums, pomegranates and strawberries from the Valley are not
just in demand locally but are exported to many other states and even countries and the prevalent climatic conditions are to credit for the
Zakura area has the most favorable conditions for the crop."Climate in Kashmir is rather rare and these conditions are rare across the world
In this climate temperate fruits like apple, pomegranate, pear, apricot, plum and peaches
The first to be harvested is strawberries, a delicious fruit with nutritious value
All across the globe, the temperatures required for the growth of this strawberry is in the Kashmir valley," another farmer explained while
talking to ANI.Strawberry farming aids employment generation for locals in Zakura, Gaasu Batapora and Khimber area which are situated at the
outskirts of Srinagar."It's a family business I work here, our women work here
We hope for the payout to be good," a grower said."This year's produce has high demand in the market
These harvested berries go to the local markets to be sold
This time's crop is very good and this is why the value in the market is also high," added another
