Srinagar: In the serene morning hours, the fields of Gassoo come alive as farmers begin picking the Valley’s first fruit of the season — strawberries. Widely known as Kashmir’s ‘Strawberry Village,’ Gassoo is now buzzing with early harvest activity, marking the start of May’s fruit season.
Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in Kashmir and are mainly cultivated on the outskirts of Srinagar, particularly in the fertile lands of Dara and Gassoo. Due to their delicate texture and limited shelf life, these berries require careful and timely harvesting. “This year’s crop looks promising,” said a local farmer, gently placing freshly picked strawberries into a basket. “We wait all year for this. It’s not just a livelihood — it’s part of who we are.” In recent years, strawberry farming has grown steadily in the region, driven by high market demand and favorable climate conditions. Gassoo, in particular, has gained recognition as a major strawberry-producing hub in the Valley. “There’s a calm beauty here in the mornings,” shared another resident. “When the sun hits the fields and the berries glisten — it’s something special.” As strawberry baskets fill up, preparations are also underway for the cherry season. Varieties like Makhmali and Double will be harvested by late May, followed by the prized Mishri cherries in early June.
