The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 is being held at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows in Smit, showcasing the government’s initiatives to enhance agro-tourism and entrepreneurship via strawberry farming. The event facilitates direct market access for farmers and entrepreneurs to engage with buyers. Stalls feature fresh strawberries and processed products like jams, juices, and desserts, allowing visitors a farm-to-table experience. Deputy Commissioner Smt. R.M. Kurbah highlighted the export potential of strawberries and related products, urging farmers to utilize state and central government schemes for high-value crops and their supply chains, including the PRIME initiative. The state distributes three strawberry seed varieties: Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation, and Festival, and offers support for sustainable farming. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the introduction of the sweeter Japanese Tochiotome variety to enhance market positioning in the upcoming financial year. Strawberry cultivation has expanded to over 250 villages, supporting more than 4,000 growers. Drasing Suting, a former daily wage earner turned strawberry farmer, expressed gratitude for the festival, which enables farmers to connect with buyers directly. The festival runs from February 25–28, 2026, in Smit Village, with subsequent events in Sohliya and Darechikgre from March 4–7, 2026.