Munnar’s strawberry tourism season takes a hit: Here’s why

Munnar: An unknown plant disease has marred the famed strawberry tourism season of Vattavada, causing a significant price drop. A kilo of strawberries was sold for Rs 600 until a month ago. However, now, it has nosedived to below Rs 300. The disease was discovered while harvesting the strawberries in the Vattavada panchayat. The leaves and the stems of the infected plants shrink and decay. The demand for fresh strawberries dropped when the decay on the stems was seen spreading to the fruits, too. This year, the strawberry farmers cultivated vast swathes of land in the Koviloor, Vattavada, Pazhathottam, and Chilanthiyar areas of Vattavada panchayat.

Previously, strawberries were planted in August and harvested in November and December. However, due to climate change, the farmers could begin cultivation only in November last year. High-yielding varieties like Winter Don, Sweet Charlie, and Camarose, brought from Pune, were planted this season. Farmers are staring at a severe financial crisis as the price and demand for fresh strawberries have dropped during peak harvest season.