Fri Jan 24 02:58:24 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh’s “Kashmir”: Strawberry Farms Bloom Amidst Challenges

**Lambasingi, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh –** The hill station of Lambasingi, known as “Andhra’s Kashmir,” is experiencing a sweet success story. Strawberry farming, introduced just six years ago, is rapidly transforming the local economy and attracting a surge of tourists. The region’s cool climate and fertile soil have proven ideal for cultivating the fruit, with the harvest season typically running from December to March.

This January, however, saw a slight setback. Unseasonal rains in December damaged crops and delayed the harvest. Despite this, farmers have shown resilience. Many have diversified their crops, cultivating vegetables alongside strawberries and creating value-added products like jams and milkshakes.

Andhra Strawberry Farm, a pioneering operation led by agricultural science graduate N Naga Satyanarayana, exemplifies this adaptability. Despite losing ₹20 lakh worth of plants to the December rains, the farm, which expanded to five acres this season, expects to earn ₹70 lakh. They are experimenting with different varieties, including Winter Dawn, Florida Felicity, and are also attracting over 5,000 visitors annually with their accompanying flower garden.

Janani Farm, another successful operation run by K Satyanarayana and his wife Sandhya, showcases sustainable agricultural practices. Employing natural farming techniques and avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the couple has won multiple “Best Farmer” awards. They grow various strawberry varieties, including Winter Dawn, Sweet Charlie, and M2, and also practice multi-cropping, generating a year-round income.

While the flourishing strawberry industry is boosting Lambasingi’s economy and tourism, challenges remain. The region needs improved infrastructure, including better roads, accommodation, and waste management systems, to cope with the increasing influx of visitors. Unless these infrastructural deficits are addressed, the burgeoning tourism industry could threaten the area’s delicate ecosystem. The balance between economic development and environmental preservation will be crucial for Lambasingi’s future.

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