Mahabaleshwar’s strawberries are most visible in Indian markets during peak season.
Many cities of India are also known by the name of fruits. For example, Nagpur is called Orange City, Malda is called Mango City and Muzaffarpur is called the bastion of litchis. Similarly, Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra is called the capital of strawberries. This hill station in Satara district of Maharashtra is known for excellent quality strawberries and commercial farming. Of all the strawberries produced across the country, 80 percent comes from Mahabaleshwar. This is the reason why Mahabaleshwar is called Strawberry Capital.
Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, this hill station has become synonymous with its climate, fertile soil and long-standing tradition of cultivating premium-quality strawberries. Mahabaleshwar’s strawberries are most visible in Indian markets during peak season.
How did Mahabaleshwar become the stronghold of strawberry?
A major portion of fresh strawberries in Indian cities comes from Mahabaleshwar. The temperature, foggy weather and red laterite soil here is ideal for strawberry cultivation. With time, Mahabaleshwar developed advanced farming techniques. As a result, Mahabaleshwar proved to be the leader in strawberry production. According to Census 2011, the total population of Mahabaleshwar isIs 13,393.
Mahabaleshwar is about 120 kilometers from Pune in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Due to its high altitude, the temperature here remains lower compared to the surrounding areas. The city receives heavy rainfall during monsoon, which increases soil fertility and leads to good production of horticultural crops like strawberries, mulberries and raspberries.
The temperature in Mahabaleshwar ranges between 10°C to 25°C, which is ideal for strawberry flowering and fruit development. The red laterite soil here is rich in minerals and the special thing is that it drains excess water easily. Due to which waterlogging and root diseases are prevented. This natural seasoning increases the sweetness, size and shelf life of the fruits to a great extent.
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