Gujarat's Dang district has become the state's foremost strawberry-producing region, with cultivated area expanding from 20 hectares in 2022-23 to nearly 33 hectares in 2025-26 — a 65% increase in three years — driven by the state government's natural farming initiative and favourable agro-climatic conditions. Farmers in the tribal district are now earning between ₹7 lakh and ₹8 lakh per hectare annually, a sharp improvement over returns from traditional crops.

Production Numbers and Growth Trajectory

According to official data, strawberry output in Dang rose from 140 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 196 metric tonnes in 2024-25, and is projected to reach 233 metric tonnes in 2025-26. Officials attributed the sustained growth to rising market demand, chemical-free cultivation, and the district's natural advantages — a cool climate, sandy-loam soil rich in organic matter, and a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 that suits strawberry crops. Optimal growing conditions include day temperatures of 22–25°C and night temperatures of 7–13°C, along with 8 to 12 hours of daily sunlight.

Dang as India's First Natural Farming District

Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Dang was declared the country's first natural farming district, catalysing large-scale adoption of sustainable agriculture among local tribal farmers. The shift has been significant: many residents who previously depended on labour work in industrial units and farms in Maharashtra have returned to farm their own land, drawn by the higher profitability of strawberry cultivation. Traditional crops such as paddy, nagli, urad, and varai had generated limited returns by comparison.

Varieties, Villages, and Expanding Footprint

Farmers across Dang are cultivating nine strawberry varieties — Winter Dawn, Early Winter, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, Nabila, Nabati, Selva, Belrubi, and Pajero. Among these, Winter Dawn has emerged as the most preferred, owing to its high yield potential during the December to February-March harvest window. Cultivation has spread across multiple villages in Ahwa taluka — including Bhurapani, Borigavtha, Galkund, Kotamdar, Malegaon, Sonuniya, and Vanar — and in Waghai taluka across Kanchanpada, Ghodwahal, Murambi, and adjoining areas.

Government Support and Market Reach

The state horticulture department has been conducting training camps and educational tours on natural farming and modern cultivation practices. Subsidies of 55 to 75 per cent are being extended on strawberry saplings and cultivation-related expenses, covering mulching sheets, plastic covers, crates, packaging material, and farm equipment including mini tractors, rotavators, cultivators, and trolleys. Strawberries from Dang, once sold only in local markets at Saputara and Ahwa, are now reaching Ahmedabad, Surat, and Bharuch. The expansion has also generated seasonal employment for local residents, officials added.