Gifted with a fertile dry agricultural land, Dharwad in north Karnataka has been known for its jowar, cotton, safflower or vegetables like brinjal, chilli, tomato, methi, dill and fruits like mango, guava, sapota, etc. The temperate climate of the region suits these crops.
But since mid-2019, things have started changing.
For the last two seasons, strawberry, a new fruit to the region, is tentatively making its presence felt. As you walk down on the busy main Subhash Road of the Dharwad city or many roads in its twin city Hubli, you will be surprised to see street vendors selling small boxes of strawberry. The oldies ignore them thinking it to be some alien fruit whereas those over 25 devour them.
Even as you drive down from the city of Dharwad, especially on the winding narrow roads crossing villages and small hamlets like Gamangatti, B Hulikatti, Hullambi, Hindssageri, Tumarikoppa, etc. you will suddenly notice a half an acre or one acre of plot covered in strips of blue plastic…