Kathua Youth Turns Strawberry Farming Into ₹10 Lakh Success Story
Strawberry Cultivation Generates Jobs for Local Youth and Women
Kathua, March 7, KNT: A young farmer from Korepunnu village in the Hiranagar sector of J&K’s Kathua district has emerged as a success story in the horticulture sector by turning strawberry cultivation into a profitable venture, earning over ₹10 lakh annually.
Vikrant Sharma began his farming journey with around 20,000 strawberry plants with technical support from the Horticulture Department. Over the years, he expanded the cultivation area and now grows nearly one lakh strawberry plants on his farm.
Officials said Sharma’s initiative demonstrates the growing potential of horticulture crops in Jammu region, where farmers are increasingly diversifying from traditional farming to high-value crops.
According to Vikrant Sharma, strawberry farming proved to be a profitable option due to increasing demand for fresh fruit in nearby markets.
“I initially started with 20,000 plants with guidance from the Horticulture Department. With experience and better crop management, I gradually increased the number of plants to nearly one lakh,” he said.
Sharma said the farm now generates annual earnings of more than ₹10 lakh, making it one of the successful examples of horticulture entrepreneurship in the region.
Apart from improving his own income, the venture has also created employment opportunities for local residents.
Around 15 workers, including several women from nearby villages, are engaged in planting, harvesting and packaging strawberries during the season.
Officials from the Horticulture Department said such initiatives are encouraging more youth in rural areas to explore commercial horticulture crops as a sustainable livelihood option.
They said farmers in Kathua and other districts of Jammu division are gradually adopting crops like strawberries, mushrooms and exotic vegetables due to their high market value.
Local residents said Sharma’s success has motivated other young people in the area to consider farming as a viable profession instead of seeking employment elsewhere.
Farmers in the region believe that with proper technical guidance, irrigation support and market linkages, horticulture-based farming could provide stable income and employment in rural areas. [KNT]
