For Commercial Farmers, Agribusinesses, Horticulturists, and Institutional Growers
Strawberries are no longer exotic fruits in India. From Himachal Pradesh to Maharashtra and even parts of Odisha, farmers are turning to strawberry cultivation as a high-value crop. But wait – why do some farmers thrive while others struggle to break even?
It is not always about the weather or land. Often, it is about avoidable mistakes. If you are planning to expand into strawberries or scale up your agribusiness portfolio, this blog is for you.
Ready to dig into the dirt (literally)? Let us explore the top mistakes that hold back strawberry success in India.
1. Ignoring Plant Quality: Tissue Culture or Trouble?
Here is a question worth asking, are your strawberry plants consistent, healthy, and true-to-type?
One of the biggest mistakes farmers make is relying on local, uncertified nurseries. These plants may look good in the beginning but carry diseases, have poor rooting, or fail to fruit properly.
Instead, go for plant tissue culture. It ensures genetic uniformity, higher survival rate, and disease-free plants. With plant tissue culture, you get control from the root up. It is the smart way to future-proof your field.
2. Choosing the Wrong Cultivar for Your Region
Not every strawberry variety suits every climate. What works in Mahabaleshwar might fail in Punjab. And no, you cannot just copy what your neighbour grows.
Do your homework. Consider chill-hour requirements, disease resistance, fruit firmness, and market preference. If you are a government body or research institution, invest in trials across geographies. Match your strawberry cultivation plan with the region, not the trend.
Want a shortcut? Choose tested varieties from certified growers, especially those aligned with plant tissue culture propagation.
3. Poor Soil and Water Planning
Strawberries are picky. They demand well-drained, slightly acidic soils with high organic content. Too sandy? They dry out. Too clayey? They rot. Waterlogged roots spell disaster.
So what is the solution?
- Test your soil. Always.
- Add cocopeat, vermicompost, or coir to improve aeration.
- Ensure drip irrigation with moisture sensors.
Commercial farmers and horticulture projects must include this in their greenhouse planning. Your investment in proper soil conditioning will reflect in every juicy bite.
4. Overcrowding Your Plants
You want more yield per acre. But crowding strawberries is a classic blunder. Tightly packed plants lead to:
- Fungal diseases like powdery mildew
- Poor air circulation
- Uneven fruit development
- Difficult harvesting
Follow recommended spacing based on your variety and trellising system. For tissue culture plants, spacing can be more compact, but only with proper ventilation. Always prioritise plant health over field density.
5. Skipping Mulching and Row Covers
Do you use plastic mulch? If not, you are missing out. Mulching:
- Retains soil moisture
- Reduces weed growth
- Keeps berries clean and market-ready
And do not forget floating row covers in winter. They help trap warmth and protect flowers from frost, especially during early bloom. Agribusinesses can reduce pesticide use by creating controlled microclimates.
6. Mismanaging Nutrition and Spray Cycles
Strawberries are high-maintenance feeders. A weak fertiliser schedule can lead to small, tasteless fruit. Worse, excess nitrogen results in lush leaves but zero yield.
Plan a fertigation strategy with micronutrient support. Use calcium and boron sprays during fruit set. And always keep a preventive pest and disease management plan.
If you are part of a research institution or nursery, build regional models to guide farmer advisories. A little planning can save a whole season.
7. Delaying Post-Harvest Handling
Imagine investing months in perfect strawberries, and then watching them spoil in transit. Heartbreaking, right? Strawberries are delicate. Mishandling during harvesting, packaging, or cold storage can ruin everything.
Do not wait until the harvest. Build your supply chain early:
- Train workers on gentle handling
- Use clamshell packaging for premium markets
- Plan cold storage transport in advance
If you are in agribusiness, invest in a scalable packhouse. Your brand reputation starts from the farm and ends at the store.
8. Not Leveraging Modern Floriculture Techniques
Strawberry farming is no longer just fieldwork. Many advanced growers are using plant tissue culture, hydroponics, and protected cultivation techniques to maximise efficiency and quality.
You can install:
- High tunnels for seasonal extension
- Automated irrigation systems
- Sensor-based climate controls
Why should floriculture have all the fun? Combine strawberry cultivation with greenhouse tech to maximise returns and reduce crop loss. That is the future.
Conclusion
At Sheel Biotech Limited, we have seen how one small error can derail an entire growing season. That is why we offer end-to-end support for plant tissue culture, strawberry cultivation, protected farming, organic certification, and turnkey greenhouse projects.
We work closely with commercial farmers, horticulturists, agribusiness leaders, and even government agencies to build sustainable models that work across Indian climates.
With decades of experience and a science-backed approach, we at Sheel Biotech Limited are proud to be the best company in the field of Bio-technology, Floriculture, Green Houses, Organic Adoption & Certification and Turnkey Projects.
Ready to take your strawberry farm to the next level? Partner with us today.
