Shillong: The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 began at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows in the hamlet of Smit, 15 km from here, on Tuesday, highlighting the state govt’s efforts to promote agro-tourism and entrepreneurship through strawberry cultivation.The festival is aimed at creating direct market access for farmers and entrepreneurs by enabling them to engage with buyers. Stalls showcased fresh strawberries and value-added products including jams, juices, desserts, wines and other processed items.Visitors can also opt for a farm-to-table experience of strawberry products.Rosetta Mary Kurbah, deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills, said, “Strawberries have export potential. Their by-products are more marketable. There are multiple state schemes to develop high-value agriculture crops and their supply chains, such as PRIME as well as central govt schemes”.Encouraging farmers to approach the horticulture department, she said the state government distributes three varieties of strawberry seeds: Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation, and Festival.
