Organic strawberry farming: a new opportunity for women in rural India

In the village of Gajpatipur, Bahraich district, northern India, ten women farmers are pioneering organic strawberry cultivation. The sight of vibrant red fruit carpeting the fields has drawn interest from neighbouring farmers, eager to replicate their success.

Thirty-six-year-old Siratul Nisha is excited about the financial prospects. “I know this will be a significant income!” she says. With approximately 30,000 plants in bloom, the farmers have harvested and sold their first crop in local markets. Strawberries fetch around ₹250 ($3 USD) per kilogram, and an acre yields approximately 7,500 kg, promising substantial earnings.

With support from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the IndusInd Bank’s funded Aspirational District Programme, the farmers received training in soil preparation, irrigation techniques, and market access – ensuring better yields and higher income. The initiative fits into AKF’s wider efforts to drive sustainable farming in northern India’s rural regions, with a particular emphasis on women farmers, who typically have limited access to diverse employment opportunities.

The strawberries are organically grown, adding greater value to the fruit. The women use biofertiliser – a blend of cow dung, neem and other natural and locally sourced ingredients – which provided by another group of women, also in Bahraich and supported by AKF, who specialise in producing organic, home-made fertilisers for farmers.

Each woman invested ₹50,000 ($600 USD), with ₹30,000 ($360 USD) funded by AKF through the partnership with IndusInd Bank. Expected profits range from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh ($2,400 – $3,000 USD). Many farmers plan to reinvest in their farms, improve their homes, and support their children’s education. To enhance irrigation, they are turning to solar-powered systems, reducing water costs significantly.

For most of these women, this is their first experience growing strawberries. Training began last year, covering planting, irrigation, and harvesting. They were taught best practices, including spacing plants correctly, managing soil health, and preventing damage from fog. The plants are carefully monitored to ensure optimal yields.

Beyond financial gains, the women are also seeing social benefits. The additional income allows them to contribute more to household expenses and make decisions about their family’s future. Some are planning to diversify their crops by growing high-value vegetables such as broccoli and bell peppers, further strengthening their financial independence.

Currently, the strawberries are packed in plastic containers, but the women are exploring more sustainable, eco-friendly packaging for future harvests. Their goal is to expand their reach into larger urban markets, ensuring continued success.

Strawberries are now becoming the winter fruit of choice in Bahraich, thanks to these women’s efforts. Their success is not only inspiring others to take up strawberry farming but also demonstrating how sustainable agriculture can transform rural communities.

Learn more in this article from Civil Society online, written by Usha Rai