Shillong: The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival was flagged off in multiple districts of the state on Friday. The much-awaited event aims to celebrate the flourishing strawberry fields of the state. And to promote the Agro-Tourism avenues of the state. The two-day Meghalaya Strawberry Festival kicked off with great enthusiasm and fervour.
Meghalaya has organised this two-day festival in different regions of the state. And each offers a unique blend of activities. Locations such as Sohliya, Umsning, Iewpynsing, Nohron, Kynktieh, Syntung, and Darechikgre, welcomed visitors. They can participate in a variety of activities at the event. These include strawberry picking, cycling treks, live music and cultural performances. These events also include special workshops on local beverages, among others.
Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Tourism, attended the event at Sohliya. He said that strawberries thrive in Meghalaya due to favourable conditions and hardworking farmers. He added that the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival, by integrating tourism with strawberry cultivation, aim to boost livelihoods and enterprises. The Secretary also mentioned that this market has massive untapped potential.
Lyngkhoi is also a pioneer in the cultivation of Strawberries, the first in the Northeast. Ri Bhoi produces 2 to 3 tonnes of Strawberry production annually presently, as per the officials.
At Syntung, Isawanda Laloo, Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, expressed her gratitude to the Sordar, the people, and especially the farmers for their hard work. She mentioned that through the strawberries, the village has garnered recognition. She added about the favorable conditions for this crop in the region and its potential in the days to come.
At Nohron, D. Sohtun, Director Horticulture Department spoke about training for strawberry cultivation. She urged the farmers not to abandon strawberry cultivation in the days to come. Oscar Nongrum, a local strawberry farmer said that the cultivation of the fruit in the village started in 2015 which has sustained the livelihood of the villagers. He also added that the farmers steer clear of the use of chemicals and are into organic strawberry farming.
In Darechikgre, the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Jagdish Chelani attended the event. He said that the strawberry festival has come out well to celebrate a product of Meghalaya which is a very nascent and niche market which can be developed beautifully. He also stressed on processing the fruits and selling them at a higher price.
