Sambalpur, Feb 23: In an inspiring example of crop diversification and women-led entrepreneurship, Kalyani Gardia of Sabuja Sanatanpali village under Jujumura block in Sambalpur district has earned ₹1.5 lakh from strawberry cultivation on leased land.
Coming from a modest family with little agricultural land of her own, Kalyani decided to move beyond traditional paddy and vegetable farming in search of better income opportunities. She leased 1.5 acres of land and opted to cultivate strawberries, a relatively new and high-value crop in the region.
With technical guidance from the Horticulture Department and under the supervision of horticulture expert Kuli Meher, she adopted scientific farming practices and planted around 15,000 strawberry saplings. The saplings, provided with departmental support, were valued at approximately ₹80,000.
About 40 days after plantation, Kalyani harvested 5 quintals of strawberries in the first phase. Selling the produce at ₹300 per kg, she generated an income of ₹1.5 lakh. With the second phase of harvesting still pending, she expects her total earnings to reach at least ₹2 lakh this season.
Kalyani received consistent support from her husband Pramod Gardia and mother-in-law Subasini Gardia in managing the crop.
Her success has established her as a progressive woman farmer and demonstrated the commercial viability of strawberry cultivation in the area. The initiative has also highlighted the importance of crop diversification as a sustainable income strategy for small and marginal farmers.
Notably, Kalyani is an active member of the “Sabuj Sanatanpali Farmers Producer Company,” which works towards promoting collective farming, strengthening market linkages, and enhancing farmers’ income. Her achievement is now serving as an inspiration for other farmers and women entrepreneurs in the region.
