Red Gold in the Semi-Arid Zone: Economics and Sustainability of Strawberry Cultivation in Bhiwani, Haryana

This paper aims to evaluate the economic viability, environmental sustainability, andmarketability of a strawberry tree project in the semi-arid region of Bhiwani, Haryana, wherehigh-value horticulture is being championed as an alternative for generating value. Reducedprofitability and increased susceptibility to climate are some of the challenges affectingconventional crops in this locality, and therefore, strawberry farming seems to be one of thealternative sources of income.The research methodology was descriptive analytical, involvingfifty purposively sampled strawberry cultivators in the leading farming villages of Bhiwani.Structured questionnaires were used to gather information that included production practices,costs of inputs, yield performance, marketing options and the perceptions of farmers. Theresearch indicates that strawberry production is very lucrative, with net incomes per acre of ₹3.5to ₹3.9 lakh, a benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 8.14. Though profitability and scalability is limitedby aspects of high cost of labour, lack of cold-storage facilities, institutional support, anddependency on middlemen. Farmers usually consider strawberries as a profitable harvest, andthey complain about the fluctuation of prices and the lack of adequate technical assistance.Thisstudy is relevant to the growing literature on the power of crop diversification as it offers areaspecifics on the effectiveness of incorporating economic, environmental, and market aspects offarms. It suggests that by focusing on policy measures, which in many ways can be based ontraining, infrastructure development, and the formation of co-operations, the inclusiveness, andsustainability of strawberry farming can be improved.The research has policy implications to thepolicy makers, rural development agencies and farmers who are determined to strengthen theagricultural systems within the semi- arid areas