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Much-awaited strawberry festival kicks off in Meghalaya

First Published: 13th April, 2024 14:10 IST

The two-day extravaganza unfolded across different regions in Meghalaya, each offering a unique blend of activities.

The much-awaited celebration of Meghalaya’s flourishing strawberry fields and rich agro-tourism offerings, the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival commenced on Friday in different parts of the Northeastern hill state.
The inaugural ceremony of this two-day vibrant celebration, aimed at spotlighting the luscious strawberries of the state, kicked off with great enthusiasm and fervour.
The two-day extravaganza unfolded across different regions in Meghalaya, each offering a unique blend of activities.
The festival held in Sohliya, Umsning, Ri Bhoi District, Iewpynsing, Nohron, East Khasi Hills District, Kynktieh, Syntung, East Khasi Hills District, and Darechikgre, West Garo Hills District, welcomed visitors to participate and immerse themselves in activities such as strawberry picking, cycling treks, live music, cultural performances, amalgamated with a special workshop on local beverages, among others.
Vijay Kumar D, the Meghalaya Tourism Commissioner and Secretary who is sponsoring the festival, claimed that strawberries thrive in the state due to good conditions and hardworking farmers. He went on to say that festivities like the Strawberry Festival, which combine tourism with strawberry cultivation, aim to support livelihoods and enterprises.
He stated that strawberry farming might be increased from 25 to 100 acres next year, and possibly to 500 acres if market prospects are capitalized on. This expansion is projected to greatly improve people’s lives.
The village headman of Sohliya, Ostander Lyngkhoi, expressed his gratitude to Dr Vijay Kumar for his support and contribution towards the success of the festival. Lyngkhoi is also a pioneer in the cultivation of Strawberries, the first in the Northeast.
It may be mentioned that Ri Bhoi produces 2 to 3 tonnes of Strawberry production annually presently.
Isawanda Laloo, Secretary of the Meghalaya Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, thanked the village headman and the people of Syntung, particularly the farmers, for their hard work through which the strawberries of the village has garnered recognition.

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