Bhubaneswar, Feb. 19 -- Strawberry cultivation is fast emerging as a transformative opportunity for farmers, including women across Odisha, particularly in the hilly regions where traditional shifting cultivation had once dominated agricultural practices, sources said on Thursday.

With growing institutional support and the promise of better returns, farmers are gradually moving away from conventional methods and embracing this high-value fruit crop. Notably, women are playing a key role in this agricultural transition, gaining financial independence through strawberry farming.

In Keonjhar district, seven women from Mereisahi village under Banspal block have taken up strawberry cultivation for the first time. Backed by government assista...