Shillong, Feb 25 (.) The Meghalaya government on Wednesday kicked-off the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows, Smit on Wednesday, emphasising the government’s steps taken to promote 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.
Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills,R.M. Kurbah, said, “Strawberries have export potential. Their by-products are more marketable. There are multiple State Government schemes (to develop high-value agriculture crops and their supply chains, such as PRIME) as well as Central Government schemes. The farmers are encouraged to approach the Horticulture department.”
She stated the state government distributes three varieties of seeds: Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation, and Festival.
She described 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.
Kurbah called upon farmers to take advantage of the schemes from the state government departments.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had recently announced in his budget speech that the State will introduce the sweeter Japanese Tochiotome variety of strawberry in the coming financial year.
It will 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.
Drasing Suting, from Umsawwar village, Mawkynrew Block, was a daily wage earner who took up strawberry plantation and found it beneficial for sustaining his livelihood. According to him, the strawberry festival recognises the effort of the farmers; he thanked the Tourism Department for giving them an opportunity to meet buyers directly without the involvement of middlemen.
The festival at Smit Village will be held from February 25–28, 2026, followed by events at Sohliya (Football Ground, Umsning, Ri-Bhoi District) and Darechikgre, Tura (West Garo Hills District) from March 4-7, 2026.
. RRK .