After Mahabaleshwar, known as the "Strawberry Capital of India," another region is rising as a key hub for cultivation. In the past 2-3 years, tribal farmers have successfully nurtured the "Bhimashankar Strawberry," turning an experimental initiative into a remarkable success story. To support this growth, a government-backed initiative is making a significant impact, enabling tribal farmers to enter into strawberry farming. The region’s increasing prominence has also reached international markets, with exports to Dubai receiving a positive response. With these collective efforts, Bhimashankar is rapidly establishing itself as a thriving strawberry hub, bringing substantial economic benefits and improving the livelihoods of tribal farmers.

Traditional farming practices and the shift to strawberry cultivation

For generations, tribal farmers in the Bhimashankar region primarily cultivated kharif crops, with rice being the staple. After the harvest, they worked as farm labourers in nearby villages, while others migrated to urban areas in search of seasonal employment. However, in recent years, a shift towards cash crops such as strawberries has transformed their livelihoods, offering a more stable and sustainable income.

Tribal farmers from villages such as Falode, Taleghar, Gadewadi, Rajewadi, and Borghar have emerged as pioneers in strawberry cultivation, making these areas key hubs for production in Ambegaon taluka. Unlike traditional crops that provide seasonal returns, strawberry farming ensures a steady daily income. Additionally, the Bhimashankar pilgrimage site and thriving tourism have created a strong local market for their produce. This transition has not only yielded higher profits but also enhanced the living standards, inspiring more tribal farmers to follow strawberry cultivation.

Bhimashankar, ideal for strawberry cultivation

Bhimashankar’s unique geography and climate make it an ideal location for strawberry farming. The region, which includes around 50 villages in Ambegaon tehsil, is nestled in the Sahyadri ranges, approximately 140 km from Pune. The cooler temperatures, red-soil tabletop land, and proximity to the dense forests of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary create an environment similar to Mahabaleshwar. These natural conditions help maintain the ideal temperature required for strawberry cultivation, ensuring a healthy yield.

State government Initiative to boost strawberry farming

The Maharashtra Tribal Development Department has launched several initiatives to support tribal farmers, recognising the potential of strawberry cultivation. The department aims to establish a sustainable income source for the tribal community by providing financial aid, training programmes, and market access.

i) Rs 1.2 crore-government project for tribal farmers

In October last year, the state government approved a ₹1.27 crore project for tribal farmers by promoting strawberry cultivation. Implemented under the Integrated Tribal Project in Ghodegaon, this initiative aims to transform traditional farming practices by equipping farmers with essential resources such as strawberry saplings, planting materials, drip irrigation systems, and mulching paper for cultivation on a five-guntha plot. The Agriculture Department is providing continuous guidance and support to ensure the success of the project.

The project is specifically designed for Scheduled Tribe farmers who have not previously benefited from the Central Budget Plan scheme. Each farmer receives financial aid of ₹46,800, with 85% covered by the government (₹1.02 crore), while beneficiaries contribute 15% (₹18.11 lakh in total). A total of 258 farmers have been selected as beneficiaries, with 55 farmers already receiving assistance, while the remaining are set to receive assistance in the coming months. The government aims to assess how this initiative uplifts the economic stability of tribal farmers, fostering sustainable income growth through strawberry farming.

ii) Central Budget Scheme (Nucleus Budget)

Several farmers to Scheduled Tribes are availing financial aid under the Central Budget Scheme (Nucleus Budget) to produce strawberries, receiving subsidies that have expanded the cultivation area from 30 gunthas to 3 hectares.

With strawberry cultivation steadily increasing in the region, the government plans to expand market access. Stalls are set to be established along the Manchar-Bhimashankar highway, ensuring easy and direct sales for farmers. This funding supports the farmers and plays a crucial role in curbing seasonal migration by offering a stable livelihood in their native villages.

Exports to Dubai

Bhimashankar’s strawberries have successfully made their way to the Dubai market, marking a significant milestone in the region's agricultural transformation. Strawberries have been exported to Dubai in two phases, receiving an overwhelming response from international buyers. With record prices reaching ₹600 for a half-kilo pack, the success of these exports is encouraging more farmers to adopt strawberry farming. As production scales up, plans are in place to expand exports further, solidifying Bhimashankar’s reputation as an emerging hub for high-quality strawberries.


However, awareness and training remain crucial for the scheme’s long-term success. Local farmers are urging authorities to provide extensive training programs to help more farmers take advantage of this lucrative opportunity.