Breaking Barriers: Sunita’s Pioneering Journey into Strawberry Farming in Rajasthan

Introduction: A Bold New Step in Agriculture

In a region where traditional crops have long dominated, a new innovation has taken root — strawberry farming in Rajasthan. Leading this transformation is Sunita, a 33-year-old woman from Bolni village, located in the Kishangarh Block of Khairthal-Tijara District.

Living in a joint family of six that includes her husband Jitender (age 38), in-laws, and two sons, Sunita’s family has relied primarily on Livestock and agriculture for livelihood. But her proactive spirit and willingness to learn have set her on a remarkable journey of innovation and growth.

Empowerment Through Learning: Aajeevika Pathshala

Sunita is an active participant in Aajeevika Pathshala, an initiative run by Ibtada under its livelihood program supported by the Axis Bank Foundation. Through these sessions, she came across an experimental idea introduced by the livelihood team — the pilot cultivation of strawberries in the Kishangarh region.

Given the unfavourable climatic assumptions

around strawberry farming in Rajasthan, the idea initially seemed out of scope. However, Sunita’s determination and curiosity led her to volunteer for this pioneering effort.

The Pilot Begins: A Leap of Faith

In September 2024, Sunita began cultivating strawberries on a 625 square meter plot of land. Her dedication and keen understanding of agricultural practices turned this pilot into a major success.

Harvest and Financial Outcome

• Total Income: ₹1,27,000

• Total Expenses: ₹30,265

• Net Profit: ₹96,735

This impressive return not only demonstrated Sunita’s ability to optimize limited resources but also proved that strawberry farming could indeed be profitable in Rajasthan’s environment.

Challenges and Resilience

The journey wasn’t smooth. Unpredictable weather patterns posed significant hurdles. However, Sunita’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices ensured she stayed on course.

She adopted minimal wastage methods, efficient water usage, and careful cost management, making the venture not only profitable but eco-friendly as well.

Tracking Growth: Sunita the Entrepreneur

Sunita meticulously recorded every aspect of her income and expenditure. This financial discipline gave her a clear picture of her profitability and helped in strategic planning for future ventures.

Her success in strawberry farming gave her the confidence and financial base to explore new opportunities for income diversification.

Vision Beyond Strawberries: Entering Dairy Farming

Sunita’s ambitions go beyond crop cultivation. She is now setting her sights on dairy farming. Already the owner of two buffaloes, she plans to purchase an additional buffalo to start a small-scale dairy business.

This move is intended to create a synergistic model where:

• Strawberries provide seasonal income

• Milk and dairy products offer year-round revenue

Looking Ahead: Future Expansion Plans

Sunita is planning strategic growth in both her ventures:

• Land Expansion: Cultivating strawberries on 1 bigha (2500 square meters) to increase yield and income

• Dairy Expansion: Adding one more buffalo to establish a sustainable dairy operation

These expansions are aligned with her vision of building a self-sufficient and sustainable farming model that balances risk and ensures steady cash flow.

Conclusion: A Story of Innovation, Courage, and Vision

Sunita’s inspiring journey stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in rural Rajasthan. Her transition from a conventional farmer to an Agri-entrepreneur is a testament to the power of education, support systems like Aajeevika Pathshala, and personal Courage.

By embracing change, adopting sustainable practices, and thinking strategically, she is not only reshaping her own future but also inspiring her community.

Sunita is proof that vision combined with hard work can yield incredible outcomes — financially, socially, and environmentally. Her success in strawberry farming and plans for dairy entrepreneurship mark the beginning of a new chapter in rural innovation and women-led agribusiness in Rajasthan.