Meghalaya: State Government Launches Major Strawberry Cultivation Drive

Meghalaya Agriculture Department Commits Rs 2 Crore to Empower Farmers with Strawberry Cultivation

Meghalaya: Strawberry Distribution Program
Meghalaya: Strawberry Distribution Program

Shillong, December 8, 2023: In a significant move to revolutionize the agricultural landscape of Meghalaya, the state government has launched an ambitious initiative to promote strawberry cultivation.

Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Dr M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, spearheaded this initiative by distributing Strawberry Planting Materials to farmers in the Syntung-Nohron Cluster and visiting the burgeoning strawberry plantations at Syntung Village in the Mawkynrew Community & Rural Development Block, East Khasi Hills.

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The event, marked by the presence of key officials including the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Smt. I. Laloo, IAS, and the Director of Horticulture, Smt. D. Sohtun, signifies a major step towards enhancing the state’s horticultural diversity and economic prosperity.

Meghalaya: Strawberry Distribution Program beneficiaries
Meghalaya: Strawberry Distribution Program beneficiaries

Under this initiative, farmers will receive not only saplings but also essential support in packaging and market linkage, with the project valued at approximately Rs 2 crore. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the benefits of this initiative extend from the field to the market.

The assistance provided to farmers includes Strawberry Planting Materials and Drip Irrigation systems under the Mission for Integrated Development for Horticulture and Fruit Development Scheme. The farmers’ contribution in terms of labor, organic manure, and other inputs complements the government’s support, creating a synergistic effort towards successful cultivation.

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Strawberries are recognized as a highly profitable crop, and this initiative is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the farmers. The current planting season will witness the distribution of around 6 lakh saplings across various strawberry clusters in the Garo and Khasi Hills, reaching approximately 500 farmers.

This initiative is not just about agricultural development; it’s a step towards sustainable farming practices. The focus on organic manure and drip irrigation reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly farming, which is crucial in the context of climate change and ecological conservation.

The strategic distribution of strawberry saplings is poised to transform the agricultural narrative of Meghalaya, turning it into a hub for strawberry cultivation. This move is expected to open new avenues for farmers, providing them with a lucrative alternative to traditional crops and enhancing the state’s reputation in the horticultural sector.

As the strawberry fields of Meghalaya prepare to bloom, the state looks forward to a future where agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of its economy, but with a new, sweeter twist.

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