Shillong, February 25 : The Government of Meghalaya on Tuesday kicked off the Strawberry Festival 2026 at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows, Smit, aiming to promote agro-tourism and strengthen entrepreneurship through strawberry cultivation .
The festival provides direct market access to farmers and entrepreneurs, allowing them to connect with buyers without intermediaries . Stalls showcased fresh strawberries along with value-added products such as jams, juices, desserts, wines and other processed items, offering visitors a farm-to-table experience .
Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, R.M. Kurbah, said strawberries hold export potential and highlighted government schemes aimed at developing high-value agriculture and supply chains . She informed that the state distributes three varieties—Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation and Festival—and provides plantation materials, irrigation pipes and water storage facilities to farmers to ensure sustainable production .
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in his recent Budget speech, announced plans to introduce the sweeter Japanese “Tochiotome” variety in the coming financial year to further enhance market positioning and farmer income .
Strawberry cultivation in Meghalaya has expanded to over 250 villages and now supports more than 4,000 growers .
Sharing his experience, Drasing Suting from Umsawwar village, Mawkynrew Block, said he shifted from daily wage labour to strawberry farming and found it sustainable . He appreciated the festival for enabling farmers to interact directly with buyers .
The Smit festival will run from February 25 to 28, followed by events at Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district and Darechikgre, Tura in West Garo Hills from March 4 to 7, 2026 .
