Blueberry Farming Takes Root in Himachal: A New Superfood Opportunity for Growers
In the quiet valleys of Himachal Pradesh, something remarkable is taking root—blueberries. Once a rare and expensive import found only in high-end stores, this tiny superfood is now growing in the orchards of Kullu, thanks to a successful trial that could change the future of Indian farming.
As health consciousness rises across the country, people are looking beyond traditional remedies and turning to nature’s lesser-known treasures. Blueberries, packed with antioxidants and nutrients, have long been hailed globally for their health benefits. Now, they’re finding a home in India’s hills.
It all began two years ago at the Bajoura Regional Horticulture Research and Training Centre, where scientists planted 300 blueberry saplings imported from abroad. Under the guidance of experts from Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University, these plants were nurtured in polyhouses, shade nets, and open fields. The result? Success. The plants have started bearing fruit—marking a major milestone for Indian horticulture.
“Our research has paid off. The plants are thriving, and farmers can now consider blueberries as a viable crop.”
This breakthrough offers a new economic lifeline for farmers. Traditionally reliant on apples, plums, and pomegranates, they now have a high-value crop that could boost their income and diversify their orchards.
Benefits go beyond economics:
Blueberries are known to support heart health, improve memory, aid digestion, and even help prevent cancer. According to Dr. Divya Goswami from the Ayurveda Department, the fruit is rich in antioxidants like pterostilbene and anthocyanins, along with fiber, vitamins A, C, and E—making it a powerful ally for both body and mind.
Scientist who led the trials, explained that the plants were tested in various conditions and performed well across the board. “Blueberries are disease-resistant and fetch a good price in the market. This makes them ideal for farmers looking to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Currently, blueberries are mostly imported and sold at premium prices—between ₹1200 and ₹1500 per kilogram. But with successful local cultivation, that could soon change.
The best part? India’s hilly regions like Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are naturally suited for blueberry farming. The plants thrive in cool climates and acidic soil, and with modern techniques like drip irrigation and fertigation, farmers can ensure healthy yields.
As the first fruits ripen in Bajoura, a quiet revolution is underway—one that blends science, sustainability, and health. The humble blueberry, once a foreign luxury, may soon become a familiar sight in Indian orchards—and a powerful symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets tradition.
