Shillong, Feb 26: The Strawberry Festival, 2026 kicked started at Wah-Iing-Syiem meadows in Smit village yesterday aimed at promoting agro-tourism and entrepreneurship through strawberry cultivation in the state.
The festival created direct market access for farmers and entrepreneurs, as they can involve themselves with the buyers directly. At the festival, stalls displayed fresh strawberries and value-added products such as jams, juices, desserts, wines, and other processed items, and visitors can have a farm-to-table experience of strawberry products.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Rosetta Mary Kurbah who attended the festival said starberries have export potential and their by-products are more marketable.
She informed about government schemes (to develop high-value agriculture crops and their supply chains, such as PRIME) as well as central government schemes and encouraged farmers to approach the Horticulture Department.
Kurbah said the state government distributes three varieties of seeds—Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation, and Festival. She said that if a farmer has approximately 254 sq. metres of land, he or she will receive 1,022 plantation materials, irrigation pipes, and water storage facilities to promote sustainable farming and improved productivity.
Recently, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in his budget speech said that the state will introduce the sweeter Japanese Tochiotome variety of strawberry in the coming financial year, which is expected to further enhance market positioning and improve the income of farmers.
Meghalaya has expanded strawberry cultivation to over 250 villages and now supports more than 4,000 growers.
A daily wage earner, Drasing Suting from Umsawwar village under Mawkynrew Block, who took up strawberry plantation said he found it beneficial for sustaining his livelihood. According to him, the strawberry festival recognises the effort of the farmers and thanked the department for giving them an opportunity to meet buyers directly without the involvement of middlemen.
The festival at Smit Village will conclude on February 28, followed by events at Sohliya in Ri Bhoi District and Darechikgre in Tura, West Garo Hills District from March 4–7.
