Gaasu Khimber, Srinagar, Indian administered Kashmir: In the foothills outside Srinagar, the village of Gaasu Khimber is experiencing its peak strawberry harvest — a season that has become central to the livelihoods of nearly a thousand local farmers.
Known for its fertile soil and cool climate, Gaasu Khimber has emerged as Kashmir’s leading strawberry-producing region, with daily yields of over 2,000 kilograms during harvest months.
Farming in the area has traditionally centred around apple orchards, but over the last 15 years, strawberries have taken root as a valuable early-season crop. Supported by agricultural initiatives and local know-how, families here have turned the bright red fruit into a symbol of economic resilience.
“Strawberries from Gaasu are larger, juicier, and sweeter than those from elsewhere in the valley,” says Ghulam Rasool, a veteran grower. “That’s why they fetch higher prices in the markets.”
A Family Affair
During the harvest season, men, women, and children work side by side, moving through strawberry fields with baskets in hand. The sight of rows of ripe strawberries and the buzz of morning harvests has become a daily rhythm in the village between May and June.
While Tangmarg in north Kashmir and parts of south Kashmir also cultivate strawberries, farmers and vendors alike agree that Gaasu’s produce stands out in terms of quality and demand.
“Gaasu strawberries are always the first to reach the market,” said a trader in Srinagar’s Fruit Mandi. “Buyers ask for them by name.”
Numbers Tell the Story
According to local estimates, Gaasu Khimber produces nearly 1,000 trays of strawberries per day, making it a major contributor to Kashmir’s horticultural economy in early summer. The crop is often sold fresh within hours of harvest — either directly in Srinagar or sent to nearby districts.
The success of the strawberry industry has also sparked interest among younger farmers, some of whom are exploring packaging, cold storage, and branding opportunities for expansion.
Agriculture and Identity
While strawberries have added a new layer to Gaasu Khimber’s identity, the region remains known for its apple orchards, which sustain farmers through the autumn. Together, these crops form a vital source of income in an area where seasonal farming is a way of life.
Local growers are now calling for better infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and access to markets, saying such support could help expand production and reduce post-harvest loss.
“With government support, Gaasu can become the strawberry capital of Kashmir,” said one hopeful farmer.
