Shillong, Feb 26: The Meghalaya Government inaugurated the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows in Smit village on Wednesday, highlighting efforts to promote agro-tourism and entrepreneurship through strawberry cultivation.

The festival provides direct market access for farmers and entrepreneurs, enabling them to interact with buyers without intermediaries. Stalls at the event featured fresh strawberries and value-added products, including jams, juices, desserts, wines, and other processed items, offering visitors a farm-to-table experience.

Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, R.M. Kurbah, noted that strawberries have export potential and that their by-products are highly marketable. She encouraged farmers to utilise both state and central government schemes, such as PRIME, to develop high-value agricultural crops and supply chains.

Kurbah also outlined the support provided to farmers: the government distributes three strawberry varieties—Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation, and Festival—and provides planting materials, irrigation pipes, and water storage facilities for sustainable cultivation. Farmers with around 254 sq. metres of land receive 1,022 plantation materials to boost productivity.

In his recent budget speech, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the introduction of the sweeter Japanese Tochiotome strawberry variety in the coming financial year to improve market positioning and increase farmer incomes. Currently, strawberry cultivation spans over 250 villages in Meghalaya, supporting more than 4,000 growers.

Drasing Suting, a former daily wage earner from Umsawwar village, Mawkynrew Block, shared that strawberry cultivation has helped him sustain his livelihood. He expressed gratitude to the Tourism Department for giving farmers a platform to meet buyers directly.

The festival at Smit will continue until February 28, 2026, followed by events at Sohliya (Umsning, Ri-Bhoi District) and Darechikgre, Tura (West Garo Hills District) from March 4-7, 2026.