India agritech firms leverage hydroponics and vertical farming for strawberries

Agricultural ventures in India are utilizing hydroponic and vertical farming technologies to address seasonal shortages and improve strawberry production.

Berry Fresh Agrotech LLP is conducting hydroponic trials in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, testing 19 strawberry varieties from six international sources, including Florida, Spain, Italy, Uruguay, Japan, and the Netherlands. The goal is to identify genetics that can withstand Indian summer conditions, such as heat stress and water scarcity, while maintaining high flavor and firmness. Currently, India lacks a national strawberry breeding program, making growers dependent on imported planting materials.

In Bangalore, Fragaria Fruits is operating a vertical farming venture under the Oh! Fruits brand. The company has built its commercial facility at a significantly lower cost—approximately $400 per square meter—compared to European equivalents. By leveraging low electricity and labor costs in India, the company aims to provide consistent, high-quality strawberries year-round to tap into a billion-dollar domestic market where fruit is traditionally only available for three months of the year.