Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur :DD, Recent rains have infused new hope into strawberry farmers in Udhampur district who were worried about their produce following extended dry weather conditions. The timely rains have not only revived their strawberry crops but also generated hopes for a rich harvest and good returns this season.
Rashpal Singh, a villager of Chai in Panchayat Ku, Udhampur district, told us about his early worry when his strawberry farm on two kanals of land suffered because of a lack of rains. But the recent rains have changed the picture completely, with his crops now thriving and starting to yield fruits. Although the harvest is one month behind schedule, Singh is hopeful of getting good returns on his investment.
Singh also emphasized the government support in the form of its subsidy scheme, under which it paid him Rs. 13,000 per kanal, Rs. 26,000 for his two-kanal strawberry field. He was content with the execution of the government schemes and, like his fellow farmers, was happy to see the timely rains that brought new life into their crops.DD