14 Strawberry Varieties Thriving in Mahabaleshwar Amidst Climate Challenges

Mahabaleshwar, located in Satara district, is known for its cool climate and fertile soil, making it ideal for strawberry cultivation. The British were the first to plant strawberries in this region, and today, Mahabaleshwar is home to 14 different varieties of strawberries. Visitors can enjoy the unique flavors of these 14 varieties, which have become a special feature of the area.

Initially, only one or two varieties of strawberries were grown in Mahabaleshwar taluka. However, over the past decade, various new varieties have been successfully cultivated, with farmers experimenting with different types. As a result, the cultivation of 14 distinct strawberry varieties has become popular among local farmers. Currently, 20% of the strawberry plants are Winter Down, while the remaining 80% are other varieties.

Winter down and other species

Winter Down plants are known for bearing fruit early, but their sweetness is lower compared to other varieties. This variety is mostly cultivated outside Mahabaleshwar, with around 2,000 farmers growing it.

The area dedicated to strawberry cultivation in Mahabaleshwar taluka has grown steadily over the years. This year, 2,300 farmers have cultivated strawberries on 2,800 acres of land.

The 14 strawberry varieties grown in Mahabaleshwar include Winter Down, Eliana, Fortuna, Brilliance, Beauty, Palmarita, Parthenon, Sweet Sensation, Camaroja, Melissa, Millisol, Spain Andreal, Vivara, and Murano.

However, a sudden drop in night temperatures is severely affecting strawberry plantations in Mahabaleshwar, with farmers witnessing a sharp decline in their harvest. While strawberries are typically a winter crop, the drastic fall in temperature is pushing the plants into a state of dormancy.

Farmers are concerned about the extreme fluctuations between day and night temperatures, which are causing thermal stress on the plants. This stress disrupts their metabolic processes, hindering growth and slowing down fruit development. Experts explain that strawberries thrive in a temperature range of 15°C to 20°C for healthy growth and ripening, but the current weather conditions are far from ideal.

Frost has been reported in certain areas, and recently, a thin sheet of ice was observed covering Venna Lake, further indicating the severity of the temperature drop. This sharp plunge in temperature is a significant concern for strawberry growers in Mahabaleshwar.