Gujarat’s Dang district has become the top strawberry-producing region in the state, with cultivation expanding rapidly. Under the government’s natural farming initiative, farmers in Dang are earning up to Rs 8 lakh annually per hectare. The area under strawberry cultivation in the tribal district has increased from 20 hectares in 2022-23 to nearly 33 hectares in 2025-26, with production rising significantly.
Officials credit the growth to favorable climatic conditions, rising market demand, and the adoption of chemical-free farming practices. Dang was declared the country’s first natural farming district under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, promoting sustainable agriculture. The district’s cool climate and sandy-loam soil, rich in organic matter, are ideal for strawberry cultivation.
Experts highlight that the crop thrives in well-drained soil with specific pH levels and sunlight requirements. Farmers in Dang are cultivating nine strawberry varieties, with Winter Dawn being the most preferred due to its high yield potential. Large-scale cultivation has spread across various villages in Ahwa and Waghai talukas.
To support farmers, the state horticulture department is organizing training camps and providing subsidies on cultivation expenses. Many residents have shifted to strawberry farming from other occupations due to its profitability. Strawberry cultivation has significantly increased farmers’ annual earnings compared to traditional crops.
Strawberries from Dang are now reaching markets in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Bharuch, creating seasonal employment opportunities. The expansion of cultivation has benefited local residents and boosted the agricultural economy in the region.
