Farmers Reap Riches as Strawberry Farming Thrives With Farm Tourism

WITH the demand for local fruits rising during the winter tourist season, farmers in Vattavada are growing strawberries extensively on their farmlands and earning good money by reaching out to customers directly through farm tourism.

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A kilogram of the fruit is sold to tourists at Rs 600. Visitors can buy 250g of strawberries for Rs 150, and there are also value-added products made from the fruit, such as jam, squash, and wine. A 200g jar of jam is priced at Rs 150, while a half-litre bottle of wine costs Rs 400.

Ramaraj, a farmer, said that winter fruits and vegetables are a major attraction for the hundreds of tourists who visit the village. He also mentioned that strawberries offer good profits for farmers through farm tourism.