Shillong: Strawberry is coming up as one of the popular cash crops of Meghalaya. The comparatively cooler climate of the state makes it perfect for this crop. With the aim to popularise this product and attract more customers, a Strawberry Festival is being organised. The event will be organised from the 5th of April to the 13th of April.
The Department of Tourism and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya have collaborated to organise the Strawberry Festival. It is a part of the state’s initiative towards the promotion of agro-tourism in Meghalaya.
The state directorate of horticulture has undertaken large-scale plantations. Multiple schemes of the state and central government have been utilised for strawberry cultivation.
“The harvest season for strawberries has begun. And the vibrant strawberry fields in the villages of Syntung and Nohron in East Khasi Hills. Umktieh and Sohliya in Ri Bhoi, Baladinggre, Darechikgre, and Durakantragre in West Garo Hills. These villages will organize the Strawberry Festival,” mentioned a statement from the organisers.
Several other attractions have also been added to the festival. These include strawberry picking at the farms, wine tasting, jam making, glamping in the strawberry fields, live music and cultural performances. Strawberry saplings will also be up on sale during the festival. “With an intention to push for local business hubs in the rural areas, the festival will enhance the visibility of the State’s agro-tourism potential,” the statement added.
The exact schedule of the events has however not been notified yet. The upcoming Strawberry Festival is expected to attract a large number of tourists as well as enthusiasts. It must be noted that the state government had distributed a large number of strawberry saplings last year with the aim to promote the cultivation of this crop in various parts of the state.
