Keonjhar, March 24: Commercial strawberry farming has begun in Keonjhar’s Harichandanpur block, marking a new chapter for the local tribal communities. With support from the Chief Minister’s Tribal Livelihood Mission and the ITDA, 60,000 strawberry plants have been cultivated on 6 acres, with production already underway.
The initiative has provided a sustainable income source for farmers in villages like Junga and Balanipashi. Each plant yields up to 200 strawberries, and local markets are selling the fruit at ₹100 per 200 grams. Encouraged by this success, the district plans to expand strawberry farming to 30 acres next year.
The project has also empowered tribal women through Self-Help Groups, offering support with farming tools, fertilizers, and irrigation. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently visited the area, praising the efforts of the farmers. Strawberry farming is proving to be a promising livelihood for the tribal communities in Keonjhar.