The Hindu Business Line : Seedling import norms dampen strawberry prospects

Agri-Biz & Commodities - Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables
Industry & Economy - Exports & Imports
Seedling import norms dampen strawberry prospects

Alka Kshirsagar

4 million rootstocks from California needed for next season

Evolving scenario
Farmers setting sights on upping area to 2,000 acres by July-August.
Timely import vital to avoid last minute scramble in April-May.
Shortage likely in strawberry from current surplus situation.

Pune April 11 The Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani belt, which accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India's strawberry produce, is exulting in a bumper crop this year, but prospects for an even better 2008 season are dampened by worries over government regulations.

Next season target

With 1,500 acres already under cultivation and a super season of 9,000 tonnes of fruit under their belt, the 850 farmers in the region are setting their sights on upping the area to 2,000 acres by July-August when planting begins. The target for the next season is 15,000 tonnes. This will call for import of nearly four million strawberry seedlings from California, and if the licences necessary for this are not processed in time, farmers in the region might just miss the boat.

Explains Mr Mayur Vora, Managing Director, Mapro Foods Pvt Ltd, one of the major buyers of the local fruit: "Every year new plantation has to be done as the old plants are susceptible to disease and give poor yield. So timely import of rootstocks is vital."

Last-minute scramble

Mr Balasaheb Bhilare, President of the All India Strawberry Growers Association, reaffirms that every year delays lead to a last-minute scramble in April/May to get the orders released in time to ensure July deliveries.

The Californian variety that is popular here yields an average of 6-8 tonnes of fruit per acre against 20-25 tonnes when really aggressive farming techniques are used. Says Mr Vora: "With 5,000 acres available for strawberry cultivation, 75,000 tonnes of fruit annually is an achievable target."

To give a fillip to the strawberry industry, Mr Bhilare pushes for reducing the duty on plant imports, including the prevailing quarantine charge of Rs 1.50 per plant while Mr Vora hopes that the fruit can be de-notified from the list of food products that can only reach the consumer through the Agricultural Produce Market Committee channel.

"The fruit is very delicate, and a few hours can make a difference to the quality," he argues.

In the meantime, Mr Vora foresees a dramatic change in the strawberry scene next year: from a surplus to shortage. With better marketing, the fruit, which was largely absorbed by the Mumbai and Pune markets, is already reaching Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa, says Mr Krishna Bhilare, vice president AISGA. A 2,000-tonne order from Unilever, France is awaiting signing on the dotted line, and with a host of retail chains clamouring to reach this luscious fruit to more far-flung clients, the fear may not be entirely far fetched.

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