When one speaks of strawberries, the places in India that come to mind are Nainital and Dehradun in UP, Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, Bengaluru in Karnataka and Kalimpong in West Bengal. However, in recent times strawberries are being cultivated in plains of Maharashtra like Pune, Nashik and Sangli. It is learned that Goa has its own strawberry farm located in the village of Verlem in Netravali in South Goa. The farm is visited by several Goans who buy fresh strawberries here. The fruit at peak ripeness is sweet and juicy with a little bit of acidic taste and can be harvested throughout the growing season. As strawberries grow in warm, sunny weather, March and April is the best time for the plant. Many people in Goa do grow strawberries in their farms and kitchen gardens. However, strawberry cultivation is yet to catch up in Goa in a big way. One may be of the impression that strawberries grow in cold places. However, the plant thrives best in a temperate climate. It is a short plant which requires exposure to about 10 days of less than 8 hours of sunshine for initiation. Growing strawberry plants can be quite profitable. In order to boost strawberry cultivation in Goa, the government needs to provide necessary assistance and training to Goans who are keen to start its cultivation. Farmers’ help groups need to reach out to those who grow the fruit in their fields.
