Rainfall Brings Relief to Udhampur’s Strawberry Farmers

Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir – After months of anxiety caused by a prolonged dry spell, strawberry farmers in Udhampur district are breathing a sigh of relief following recent rainfall. The much-needed showers, which arrived three to four days ago, have revitalized fields that were on the brink of ruin, offering a lifeline to cultivators who had lost significant portions of their crops due to water scarcity. With government subsidies in place and the promise of more rain on the horizon, farmers are now optimistic about salvaging their yields and securing their livelihoods.

Rashpal Singh, a local farmer, shared the toll the dry spell had taken on his strawberry fields. “The dry spells destroyed 400-500 of my strawberry crops this year. Wheat cultivation was also affected,” he said. However, the recent rains have shifted his outlook. “We got huge relief due to the rains 3 to 4 days ago. Now there is hope, and at least 70 percent yield can be expected.” Singh also acknowledged the timely support from the government, which provides subsidies of Rs 13,000 per kanal (a local land unit), with an additional Rs 26,000 for two kanals, helping farmers offset the high costs of cultivation.

Brij Vallav Gupta, Chief Horticulture Officer of Udhampur, confirmed that the district administration has disbursed subsidies covering five hectares of strawberry farmland. “We give Rs 13,000 per kanal, while farmers invest Rs 26,000 per kanal. Due to ample rainfall, all crops, especially strawberries, will thrive,” he said. Gupta highlighted the critical role of water in strawberry farming, noting that the crop demands consistent irrigation at every stage. “Farmers had assured irrigation, but those sources were getting depleted. The rainfall has revived them,” he added. Last year’s rains in September had offered similar respite after a four-and-a-half-month dry spell, and this year’s downpour promises a similar turnaround.

The economic stakes are high for Udhampur’s strawberry cultivators, who can earn between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000 per kanal when conditions are favorable. Gupta expressed optimism about the weather ahead, stating, “There are chances of rainfall next week as well,” which could further bolster crop health and yields. The revival of water sources has been a game-changer, particularly for a crop as water-intensive as strawberries.

For farmers like Sanjeev Kumar from Debrah village, the rains have averted disaster. “The crops would have been destroyed if it had not rained,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many in the region who had watched helplessly as their fields dried out over the past months. The prolonged dry spell, lasting four and a half months, had left farmers grappling with withering crops and dwindling hopes. Now, the sight of rejuvenated fields has sparked a renewed sense of possibility.

The recent rainfall marks a turning point for Udhampur’s agricultural community, which had been teetering on the edge due to unpredictable weather patterns. With government support and nature’s timely intervention, strawberry farmers are poised to recover from their losses and look forward to a fruitful harvest. As the region braces for more rain, the resilience of these cultivators shines through, underscoring their dependence on—and harmony with—the rhythms of the land.”

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