Shillong: In a bid to promote strawberry cultivation in the hill state of Meghalaya, the state government has taken the initiative to distribute free saplings. Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh distributed the saplings. The total valuation of the project is around Rs 2 Cr, mentioned the authorities.
The minister distributed the strawberry planting materials among the local farmers. These farmers belong to the Syntung- Nohron cluster of the state. She also visited the strawberry plantations in the Syntung Village. It comes under the Mawkynrew Community and Rural Development Block of the East Khasi Hills district of the state.
Several other officials of the department attended the event. These included the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya I Laloo and the Director of Horticulture D Sohtun.
The farmers will also receive support in terms of packaging materials and marketing their produce. The farmers will also receive further assistance in terms of other requirements. These include drip irrigation systems for the crop. The farmers will be contributing towards scientific cultivation through labour, organic manure and other inputs.
This project is expected to benefit a large number of farmers in the state. This will also promote the turning of strawberries into a highly profitable crop in the state of Meghalaya. The project has been supported under the Mission for Integrated Development for Horticulture and Fruit Development Scheme.
A statement issued by the government mentioned that about 6 lakh saplings will be distributed by the department. These saplings will be distributed among the farmers across strawberry clusters in Garo Hills and Khasi Hills. A total number of around 500 farmers in the state are expected to benefit from this project in the coming season.
It can be noted that strawberries are one of the agricultural exports of the state of Meghalaya.
