Want to know the realistic setup cost for raspberry in a hill area and where to get genuine plants.
2 Answers
Raspberry is propagated mainly from suckers, canes or tissue culture plants, and good planting material of named varieties can be limited and costly in India since it is a minor crop, so source only from genuine nurseries or research institutes and confirm the variety and its chilling needs. Beyond plants, costs include trellis or support for the canes, drip, and significant harvest labour because the soft fruit is hand-picked frequently. Total setup varies with the system, so build a careful budget rather than relying on one number. Given the narrow suitable climate (cool hills) and high perishability, keep the first planting small and prove your handling and market first. Verify reliable plant sources, suitability and realistic costs for your area with your KVK or a horticulture university.
Finding genuine plants was the hard part, I got mine through a research source. Start small, the harvest labour and spoilage will teach you a lot in year one.