1. Meghalaya Strawberry Festival, showcasing the state’s strawberry fields and agro-tourism, began with enthusiasm on April 12th.
2. The inaugural ceremony aimed to highlight Meghalaya’s luscious strawberries, initiating two days of festivities.
3. Various activities like strawberry picking, cycling treks, live music, and cultural performances engaged participants.
Shillong, April 13: The highly anticipated Meghalaya Strawberry Festival, celebrating the state’s thriving strawberry fields and agro-tourism offerings, commenced with great fanfare on April 12th.
The inaugural ceremony of this vibrant celebration aimed to shine a spotlight on Meghalaya’s luscious strawberries, kicking off two days of festivities across various locations in the hill state.
The festival unfolded in different parts of Meghalaya, including Sohliya, Umsning, Ri Bhoi, Iawpynsing, Nohron, East Khasi Hills, Kynktieh, Syntung, Darechikgre, and West Garo Hills.
Each location offered a unique array of activities, inviting visitors to participate in strawberry picking, cycling treks, live music, cultural performances, and a special workshop on local beverages.
Vijay Kumar D, Meghalaya’s Tourism Commissioner and Secretary, expressed his support for the festival, highlighting the favorable conditions and hardworking farmers that contribute to the success of strawberry cultivation in the state.
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He emphasized the festival’s role in integrating tourism with agriculture to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and local enterprises. Kumar outlined plans for expanding strawberry cultivation, which could potentially improve the lives of many in the state.
Ostander Lyngkhoi, the village headman of Sohliya and a pioneer in strawberry cultivation in Northeast India, extended his gratitude to the Meghalaya Tourism Department for their support in making the festival a success.
Isawanda Laloo, Secretary of the Meghalaya Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, acknowledged the hard work of farmers in Syntung, where strawberries have gained recognition.
Laloo highlighted the significant growth prospects for the village and the region as a whole, attributing it to the exponential increase in sales and farmers’ incomes.
Jagdish Chelani, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, lauded the Strawberry Festival as a celebration of a product with great market potential in Meghalaya.
He suggested that processing strawberries could further enhance their value and marketability, potentially fetching higher prices.
Overall, the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival serves as a testament to the state’s agricultural richness and the dedication of its farmers.
Through showcasing the bountiful produce and creating opportunities for economic growth, the festival strengthens the bond between agriculture, tourism, and community development in Meghalaya.
