Williamnagar, Feb 19: East Garo Hills district on Thursday hosted the first-ever one-day Strawberry Festival in Meghalaya, marking a significant step toward promoting high-value horticulture in the state.
The festival was held at the premises of the District Horticulture Office and was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, departmental heads, and strawberry growers from Samanda, Dambo Rongjeng, and Songsak blocks.
Organised with support from the Directorate of Horticulture, the event highlighted the growing success of strawberry cultivation in the district.
Farmers have been supported with planting materials and drip irrigation systems under the centrally sponsored Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the state’s Fruit Development Scheme.
The spotlight of the festival was on Mikgilsimgre village — the district’s oldest strawberry-growing village. Local farmer Ginja Sangma shared how cultivating strawberries, a short-duration high-value crop, has significantly improved his economic condition.
Sangma said the four-month crop cycle ensures quicker returns compared to traditional crops, helping farmers enhance their household income within a short period.
Officials said the main objective of the festival was to promote strawberry production across East Garo Hills and encourage farmers to adopt short-duration, high-return crops.
The varieties distributed under government support include Winter Dawn and Sweet Charlie.
Authorities believe that expanding strawberry cultivation can strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to horticultural diversification in the region.
The festival also showcased value-added strawberry products prepared by local entrepreneurs, including strawberry ice cream, muffins, “mou” (local wine), and strawberry wine. These were presented by AHAME, a local entrepreneur from West Garo Hills.
Adding a cultural touch, performances under the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme entertained attendees. Bands and artists including Orient Asteri, The Michael’s, and Hoi Hoi Makbil performed during the event.
Officials described the festival as a milestone for East Garo Hills, expressing hope that strawberry farming will emerge as a key income-generating activity in the district.
