Dang district has established itself as Gujarat's foremost strawberry-producing region, with cultivation area growing from 20 hectares in 2022-23 to approximately 33 hectares in 2025-26 — a rise attributed to the state's natural farming push and favourable agro-climatic conditions. Farmers in the tribal district are now reportedly earning between ₹7 lakh and ₹8 lakh per hectare annually from the crop, according to official figures.

Production Growth at a Glance

Strawberry output in Dang stood at 140 metric tonnes in 2022-23, climbing to 196 metric tonnes in 2024-25. Production is projected to reach 233 metric tonnes in 2025-26, reflecting consistent year-on-year expansion. Officials attribute the upward trajectory to rising market demand, improved cultivation techniques, and the district's natural farming orientation.

Natural Farming as the Catalyst

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Dang was declared India's first natural farming district, prompting widespread adoption of chemical-free cultivation methods among local farmers, according to officials. The state government's horticulture department has conducted training camps and field visits to encourage both natural farming and modern horticultural practices. Farmers are receiving subsidies of 55 to 75 per cent on strawberry saplings and related cultivation expenses, with additional assistance covering mulching material, plastic covers, crates, packing material, and farm equipment including mini tractors, rotavators, cultivators, and trolleys.

Ideal Conditions and Varieties

Dang's cool climate and organic-rich sandy and loamy soil make it well-suited for strawberry cultivation. The crop thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0, requires 8 to 12 hours of sunlight daily, and grows best at daytime temperatures of 22–25 degrees Celsius and night temperatures of 7–13 degrees Celsius. Farmers are currently growing nine varieties — Winter Dawn, Early Winter, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, Nabila, Nabadi, Selva, Belrubi, and Pajero. Among these, Winter Dawn has emerged as the most favoured for its strong yield between December and February-March.

Where Cultivation Has Taken Root

Large-scale strawberry farming has spread across multiple villages in Ahwa taluka, including Bhurapani, Borigavtha, Galkund, Kotamdar, Malegaon, Dabhas, Sonuniya, and Vanar. In Waghai taluka, cultivation has expanded in Kanchanpada, Ghodvahal, Murambi, and nearby villages. Strawberries from Dang, initially sold in local markets at Saputara and Ahwa, are now being supplied to larger markets in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Bharuch.

Social and Economic Impact

The shift to strawberry cultivation has brought a notable socio-economic change to Dang. Many farmers who previously depended on wage labour in industrial areas and farms in neighbouring Maharashtra have returned to work their own land. Traditional crops such as paddy, nagli, urad, and varai offered limited returns, but strawberry farming has substantially raised household incomes. The expansion has also generated seasonal employment for local residents, broadening its economic footprint beyond individual farm households.