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The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Meghalaya to host Strawberry Festival in May
GUWAHATI The State of Meghalaya will host a two-day Strawberry Festival on May 2 and 3, aimed at promoting agro-tourism and rural livelihoods through a range of cultural and recreational activities. The event is being organised by Meghalayan Age Limited, a State government entity, in collaboration with the Departments of Tourism and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The festival will take place simultaneously across three locations - Syntung in East Khasi Hills, Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district, and Darechigre in West Garo Hills - areas where strawberry cultivation has seen significant growth in recent years. 'The festival will be celebrated simultaneously at Syntung in the East Khasi Hills, Sohliya in the Ri-Bhoi, and Darechigre in the West Garo Hills district, where strawberry cultivation has made notable strides,' an official of the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department said. 'Visitors will be provided with the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries straight from the fields and an immersive experience to connect with the rural way of life. Stalls offering products made from strawberries, such as strawberry wines, jams, ice creams and traditional cakes, will also be available at the festival,' he said. Workshops providing lessons on making jams and baking treats with the local strawberries are also part of introducing the element of education and interactivity at the festival, the official said. A highlight of the strawberry festival would be live musical performances by local artists through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project platform, along with cultural events, highlighting the rich, vibrant culture of the State. 'Those who are adventure seekers can immerse themselves in activities such as cycling and trekking through the farms, and glamping setups to enjoy the natural environment. Learning sessions on traditional wine making, beverages, and organic farming methods will also be a part of the activities during the strawberry festival,' the official said. The Meghalaya government undertook an initiative in 2023 to enhance strawberry cultivation by distributing strawberry saplings and planting materials. Data provided by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare showed that the State produced about 1,220 metric tonnes of strawberries in 2024, 24 metric tonnes more than the 1,196 metric tonnes produced in 2023. 'We want to expand the strawberry cultivation to improve the lives of the farmers and the rural economy,' Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said after interacting with 115 farmers at Syntung village a few days ago.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Time of India
Meghalaya to host strawberry fest in May
Shillong: The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival will be organised by the Meghalayan Age Limited in collaboration with the state departments of tourism and agriculture and farmers' welfare on May 2 and 3 from 10am simultaneously at Sohliya in Ri Bhoi district, Syntung in East Khasi district and Darechikgre in West Garo Hills district. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities including strawberry picking , cooking demonstrations, local beverage workshops, live music, food, children's activities and many more. "The Strawberry Festival is more than just a tourist attraction; it stands as a symbol of community empowerment. It has provided a vibrant platform for local farmers, women self help groups and small-scale entrepreneurs to exhibit their produce and products, resulting in economic opportunity and a promotion of sustainable livelihood. The festival is a harmonious blend of agriculture, tourism and culture," an official said. "This festival not only highlights the luscious and delicious strawberries of Meghalaya but is also a unique celebration blending agro-tourism, cultural heritage and rural development altogether. It has developed into a major event that showcases the achievements made in the field of agro-tourism and rural entrepreneurship," he added.
