Chikaldara, the only hill station in the Vidharba region and the sole coffee growing region in Maharashtra, celebrated a milestone when local farmers grew strawberries for the first time. Strawberry faming has featured prominently on the region’s development plans charted out by the Maharashtra government. Various schemes, training sessions and supplementary support has been provided to local farmers to educate them about the specifics and benefits of strawberry farming in the region. This is expected to provide a definitive, sustainable livelihood for the farmers and add to the tourism appeal of the destination.
Commenting on this development, Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, managing director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) said, “Chikhaldara is a charming hill station rich with wildlife, natural scenery, lakes and waterfalls. We are elated at this historical development in the region. We are positive that the government’s efforts towards creating viable conditions for strawberry farming will provide a boost to small, local businesses who will be able to sustain themselves on strawberry farming and its by-products. The pristine beauty of Chikhaldara makes it an ideal holiday destination and we have seen a steady rise in tourist arrivals. We are optimistic that encouraging strawberry farm tours as a tourism attraction in the near future will add to the appeal of the destination.”
