Shillong, May 2 : The Meghalaya government, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, inaugurated the Strawberry Festival 2025 today. This celebration of the state’s strawberries and support for local farmers commenced in Sohliya (Ri-Bhoi District), Syntung (East Khasi Hills District), and Darechikgre (West Garo Hills District).
The festival, held from May 2nd to 3rd, 2025, showcases Meghalaya’s agriculture, culture, and tourism. Visitors can participate in strawberry picking, explore fields, and enjoy activities like winemaking and local cuisine workshops, trekking, strawberry baking, wine tasting, and culinary tasting. The festival also features live music and traditional performances.
At the inauguration in Sohliya, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal congratulated strawberry cultivation pioneer Bah Ostander Lyngkhoi. Baranwal emphasized the profitability of strawberry farming and the government’s support for farmers through initiatives like drip irrigation. He acknowledged challenges like access to quality planting materials and marketing infrastructure.
Ostander Lyngkhoi, also the village headman of Sohliya, highlighted strawberry farming’s profitability compared to other crops. He noted that his initial investment of ₹80,000 has led to the expansion of strawberry cultivation across multiple villages in Ri-Bhoi, which currently produces approximately 175–280 tonnes of strawberries annually.
At the Syntung festival, East Khasi Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Peter T. Passah said the event will boost local incomes and promote agro-tourism, including farm-stays. He assured government assistance for a check-dam to aid winter strawberry cultivation.
Joint Director of Horticulture S. Rani recalled initiating strawberry cultivation at Dewlieh Horticulture Farm, Ri-Bhoi, in 2004. He noted that it later spread to Sohliya, known as “Strawberry Village,” and other areas. He reported that 10,28,400 planting materials have been distributed to 1,176 farmers across 51.5 hectares in the state (2024-25).
Syntung Sordar Robert Pale reported that strawberry marketing has improved due to marketing board intervention, with distribution to the Institute of Hotel Management and markets in Guwahati.
At the Darechikgre inauguration, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal called strawberry cultivation a unique initiative that will provide livelihoods and opportunities. The government has increased strawberry farms in Garo Hills from 3 to 14 due to rising demand.
Aggarwal encouraged improved farming techniques and market access, stating that strawberry cultivation will boost tourism and livelihoods in Garo Hills. He urged continued support for farmers, emphasizing the crop’s bright future.
The Strawberry Festival blends agriculture, tourism, and culture to promote prosperity and sustainable development in Meghalaya. The government invites everyone to experience the state’s strawberries and hospitality.
