Agriculture in Bihar is undergoing a distinct transformation as growers increasingly shift away from conventional farming toward high-value commercial horticultural crops. Amid a steady rise in fruit production across the region, strawberry cultivation is rapidly emerging as a profitable enterprise in Bhagalpur district. One progressive grower has demonstrated the financial viability of this fruit by cultivating strawberries across 5 acres of land, successfully generating double the profit relative to operational costs.
Experimental Farming and Lucrative Returns
According to agricultural researcher Gunlesh Gunjan, introducing strawberry crops to Bhagalpur represents a novel agricultural experiment for the area. Although only a limited number of farmers are currently cultivating the fruit, the economic returns have proven substantial. The crop routinely yields double the earnings compared to the initial capital invested, making it an attractive option for farmers willing to diversify.
Overcoming Perishability and Supply Logistics
Despite its profitability, marketing remains one of the primary operational hurdles in strawberry cultivation. The fruit is highly perishable and begins deteriorating shortly after ripening, making timely distribution critical. In the early stages, produce was transported to markets in West Bengal for sale, a process that frequently resulted in financial losses due to spoilage during transit. To resolve this bottleneck, a direct-to-consumer distribution strategy was developed using WhatsApp groups. This network allows fresh produce to reach local buyers immediately, ensuring consumers receive higher quality fruit while farmers capture the full retail margin without intermediary cuts.
Crop Varieties, Mulching, and Fertigation Methods
Gunjesh Gunjan noted that Bihar itself has expanded into a large domestic market for exotic fruits, easing distribution challenges for growers. His fields produce two distinct varieties of strawberry, with the darker variant offering superior sweetness. Outlining the cultivation protocols, he emphasized that strawberry farming must strictly utilize mulching techniques to preserve soil conditions. Drip irrigation is essential for water management, and integrating fertilizer delivery directly into the drip irrigation lines further enhances plant nutrition. Adopting this integrated method ensures superior fruiting density and maximizes commercial profitability.
