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Govt of Meghalaya to host Strawberry Festival 2026 across key farming clusters
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Thursday, 26 February, 2026, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The Department of Tourism, Meghalaya has announced the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026, set to take place across three major strawberry-growing clusters — Smit, Sohliya and Tura — to celebrate the State’s expanding cultivation and strengthen direct market access for farmers during the peak harvest season.
The festival will begin at Smit Village (Wah-Iing-Syiem Meadows, East Khasi Hills District). It will then move to Sohliya at the Football Ground, Umsning (Ri-Bhoi District), and conclude at Darechikgre in Tura (West Garo Hills District) from March 4–7, 2026.
Strawberry cultivation in Meghalaya began modestly in Sohliya in 1988 with just 50 saplings. The introduction of drip irrigation systems in 2004, coupled with sustained institutional support, transformed the sector. Today, the State produces nearly 1,200 metric tonnes of strawberries annually, with farming activities spread across more than 250 villages and engaging over 4,000 farmers.
Backed by government initiatives, farmgate prices have improved significantly, alongside the development of cold chain infrastructure and processing units. The State has also partnered with Institute of Hotel Management Shillong for value-added product development. In his FY2026–27 Budget speech, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced plans to introduce the sweeter Japanese Tochiotome variety next financial year, a move expected to enhance Meghalaya’s market competitiveness and boost farmer incomes.
The festival will feature strawberry picking, farm visits, tasting sessions, and live performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya grassroots music program. By providing a direct platform for fresh and processed strawberry sales, the event aims to strengthen farmer-buyer linkages, promote local entrepreneurship, and position Meghalaya as a growing hub for agro-tourism.
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