Why is Strawberry Farming in the News?

• The Chuktia Bhunjia tribe is the dominant group in Sunabeda.
• The training required for strawberry farming was provided to the tribe by the Nuapada district administration and the Chuktia Bhunjia Development Agency (CBDA), established by the State government in 1994-­95.
• A team from CBDA visited Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, the source of 80% of India’s strawberry production.
• The team found that Sunabeda's altitude and climate are similar to Mahabaleshwar, making it an ideal location for strawberry farming. Moreover, Sunabeda’s soil quality is considered superior. The saplings were brought from Mahabaleshwar.
• The daytime temperature in Sunabeda during winter remains around 25 degrees Celsius and falls to around 10 degrees Celsius at night, providing a conducive environment for strawberry cultivation.