Udhampur, March 28,2026- In the lush fields of Thalora village, strawberry cultivation is emerging as a profitable and sustainable livelihood option, with local farmer Vinod Kumar setting an inspiring example for others in the region.
Vinod Kumar, who began strawberry farming in 2021, has expanded his cultivation to 12 kanal of land this year. Benefiting from government support, he receives a subsidy of ₹13,000 per kanal from the horticulture department, which has significantly helped him scale operations and adopt improved farming practices.
Speaking about his daily yield, Vinod shared that he currently produces around 200 to 250 packets of strawberries per day, each weighing 250 grams. With the arrival of warmer weather in April, he expects a sharp increase in demand and production, estimating sales to reach up to 600 packets daily.
The farm has also become a source of employment for the local community, with six to seven families actively working on the fields. This has not only boosted household incomes but also strengthened the rural economy in the area.
Vinod credits the agriculture department for its continuous support and guidance. “The department regularly educates us and spreads awareness about modern farming techniques, which has helped improve both yield and quality,” he said.
Strawberry farming in Udhampur is gradually gaining momentum, thanks to favorable climatic conditions and increasing market demand. Farmers like Vinod Kumar are proving that with the right mix of government assistance, knowledge, and dedication, horticulture can become a game-changer for rural livelihoods in Jammu & Kashmir.
