Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 to Showcase 1,200 MT Production Across Smit, Sohliya and Tura Clusters

25 February 2026, New Delhi: The Government of Meghalaya will organise the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 across three key strawberry-growing clusters viz. Smit, Sohliya and Tura as the State consolidates its position in high-value horticulture and strengthens 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) from February 25–28, 2026. It will subsequently be held at Sohliya (Football Ground, Umsning, Ri-Bhoi District) and at Darechikgre, Tura (West Garo Hills District) from March 4–7, 2026.

Strawberry cultivation in Meghalaya began in Sohliya in 1988 with 50 saplings. The introduction of drip irrigation systems in 2004 and continued institutional support contributed to a steady expansion of the crop. The State now produces approximately 1,200 metric tonnes of strawberries annually. Cultivation has expanded to more than 250 villages, with over 4,000 farmers engaged in strawberry farming.

Government interventions have included improvements in farmgate price realisation, development of cold chain infrastructure, establishment of processing units, and collaboration with the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Shillong, for value-added product development. The State government has also prioritised high-value fruits and floriculture as part of its strategy to enhance farm incomes.

In his FY2026–27 State Budget address, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya announced that the Japanese Tochiotome strawberry variety will be introduced in the next financial year. The new variety is expected to strengthen Meghalaya’s market positioning and improve returns for growers.

During the festival, visitors will have access to strawberry picking activities, farm visits and tasting sessions. Live performances by artists supported under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP), along with local food stalls, will be part of the event.

The festival will provide farmers with a direct sales platform for fresh strawberries and processed products including jams, juices and desserts. It aims to strengthen farmer–buyer linkages, promote local entrepreneurship and support agro-tourism development in the State.

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