SANGUEM
Strawberry plantations at Verlem and Tudov villages in Sanguem taluka are in full bloom and have been attracting hundreds of visitors on daily basis for the past many days.
People have been visiting the strawberry plantations in these hilly areas of Sanguem taluka to taste freshly plucked strawberries from the farms and to share them with families and friends.
The season begins in the second week of December and last for about three to four months, informed farmers who have been cultivating the strawberry farms for the last many years.
The farmers have made a sizeable income from strawberry cultivation, which is supported by the Government under Atal Gram Yojana.
Chairman of Atal Gram Yojana. Subhash Velip informed that the plantation is carried by Self Help Groups and is mostly managed and run by women from the village.
“They have been putting all efforts into the maintenance and cultivation of the strawberry farms,” informed Velip.
Additionally, the farmers involved in the strawberry plantation have also brought a portion of their farmlands under the cauliflower plantation and are doing fairly well.
While a small-sized cauliflower is sold for Rs 30 a piece, freshly plucked strawberries are sold at Rs 80 per pack. Visitors to the farm are charged an entry fee of Rs 20 per person.
Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik had recently visited the strawberry farms and was pleased with the activity by the Self Help Groups in the agriculture sector.
Naik assured the farmers of all his support and cooperation in strawberry cultivation. He also complimented the members of the Self Help Groups for their efforts in starting strawberry cultivation in the hilly areas of Sanguem taluka.
