Nainital's Famous Strawberries Vanish: Production Plummets from Thousands to Kilos

• Nainital's strawberries, once famous nationwide for unique sweetness and aroma, were cultivated by 50-55 farmers from Jeolikot to Bhowali since the British era.
• Local farmer Pratap Singh Jeena recalls high demand for Nainital's small, sweet, fragrant strawberries and their jam, especially from Delhi hotels.
• Production plummeted from 9-10 thousand kg to 10-20 kg due to a shift to hybrid varieties, climate change, and market competition from Sambhal (UP).
• Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and lack of adequate government incentives are cited as major causes for the decline in traditional cultivation.
• Professor Dr. Lalit Tiwari suggests modern techniques like greenhouse farming and organic fertilizers to revive traditional strawberry production in the hills.