Last Updated:
Cultivation of Winter Dawn strawberry is becoming popular in Bathnaha of Sitamarhi. Farmers are getting saplings for just Rs 10 and by getting local training, farmers are excited about increasing production and increasing income at lower costs.
Sitamarhi. Strawberry cultivation is becoming increasingly popular in Sitamarhi, but this time there has been a delay in planting the crop due to prolonged rains. Despite this, farmers are now busy searching for new and better varieties, so that more production can be achieved at lower cost. At such a time, the premium variety of strawberry ‘Winter Dawn’ coming from Italy has become a topic of discussion in the district. The specialty of this variety is that it grows rapidly in cold weather and gives fruits that are attractive in appearance and excellent in taste.
Price only Rs 10, benefit for small farmers
Agricultural expert Alok Kumar says that earlier Winter Dawn was brought directly from Italy to Maharashtra, from where farmers used to get saplings at expensive prices. But now it is a relief news for the farmers that saplings of this variety are being prepared in Bathnaha area of Sitamarhi itself. Availability of saplings locally saves farmers from transportation costs and also helps in timely planting. Here this plant is available at the rate of only Rs 10 per piece, due to which even small and medium farmers can easily start its cultivation.
Highest yield of ‘Winter Dawn’
According to strawberry farmers, the yield of Winter Dawn remains stable and the fruits are large in size and shiny. This variety is also considered disease resistant, which reduces both production cost and losses. Experts say that when planted on time and getting the right temperature, this variety adapts well to the climate of the area and gives bumper yields.
Farmers are getting training
The farmers coming to Bathnaha to collect saplings are not only being given saplings, but farming related training is also being provided. Practical tips like soil preparation, drip irrigation, plant spacing, fertilizer management and leaf care are explained to the farmers there. This initiative is expected to increase strawberry production in the district and farmers seem quite excited about increasing their income with new crops.
