Development of Strawberry Cultivation is a state horticulture scheme of Meghalaya, launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. It gives farmers quality and improved varieties of strawberry planting materials so that more land can come under this crop and commercial horticulture can grow.
Strawberry farming has become a main income source for many families in Meghalaya. By 2026, the crop has spread to over 250 villages and supports more than 4,000 growers, with the Strawberry Festival 2026 showcasing around 1,200 metric tonnes of production from the Smit, Sohliya and Tura clusters. This scheme continues to be a key channel through which farmers receive planting material and inputs for this high-value crop.
Development of Strawberry Cultivation - Introduction
The scheme is managed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya. Its main aim is to make sure that individual farmers get good quality strawberry runners, mulching material and drip irrigation sprayers so that their crop grows well and gives better yields.
Support goes to selected government-run farms, and a 50% subsidy is given to strawberry spokes. Farmers in Meghalaya can apply on a plain paper through the nearest Horticulture Development Officer, which keeps the process simple and local.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Development of Strawberry Cultivation |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Meghalaya |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual farmers |
| Sub Category | Agricultural inputs - seeds, fertilizer etc. |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | megagriculture.gov.in |
Benefits
Selected farmers get financial help for the main inputs of strawberry farming, so the cost of starting or expanding a plot stays low.
| Entitlement | Quantum of Assistance |
|---|---|
| Promotion of strawberry fruit production through quality runners | 100% assistance |
| Purchase of mulching for demonstration | 100% assistance |
| Purchase of drip irrigation sprayers | 100% assistance |
For example, if Ramesh, a local farmer, sets up a new strawberry plot, he can get full financial coverage for quality runners, mulching and irrigation tools under this scheme.
Eligibility
Farmers who meet the conditions given below can apply for the scheme:
- Applicant should be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
- Applicant should be a bonafide farmer currently working in agriculture.
- Applicant should own land or hold leased land of at least 200 sqms.
Note: Beneficiaries are selected on a first come, first serve basis, so it is better to apply as early as possible.
Application Process
The application process is fully offline and easy to follow:
STEP 1 - Write an application on a plain paper stating your interest in strawberry cultivation and the land you will use for it.
STEP 2 - Gather the required documents and attach self-attested copies with the application.
STEP 3 - Submit the signed application and documents at the nearest Horticulture Development Officer office of a CD Block or Horticulture Circle.
Selection of beneficiaries is done on a first come, first serve basis. For any help, farmers can contact the District Horticulture Officer, the Sectoral Officer of the Department of Horticulture, or the local Horticulture Development Officer.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you apply:
- Passport-size photograph for the application form.
- Identity proof such as voter ID, Aadhaar or similar government document.
- Bank passbook or account details for any payment support.
- Documents confirming land ownership or a lease agreement for at least 200 sqms.
- Any other documents asked by the local horticulture office.
Farmers growing other horticulture crops can also check related state schemes such as Vegetable Development Scheme, Plant Protection Scheme and Floriculture Development Scheme for similar support.
References
Development of Strawberry Cultivation on Meghalaya Agriculture Department website
Meghalaya Department of Agriculture official website
Meghalaya Today report on Strawberry Festival 2026
FAQ's
What is the main aim of Development of Strawberry Cultivation?
The main aim is to provide farmers with quality strawberry planting materials, encourage area expansion and support commercial horticulture in Meghalaya.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya manages this scheme.
What type of financial support can I expect?
Selected farmers can get 100% support for purchasing quality strawberry runners, mulching materials and drip irrigation sprayers. Strawberry spokes also get a 50% subsidy.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Any bonafide farmer in Meghalaya who owns or leases at least 200 sqms of land can apply.
How are beneficiaries selected?
Officials select beneficiaries on a first come, first serve basis.
Where should I submit my application?
Submit the application at the nearest office of the Horticulture Development Officer of a CD Block or Horticulture Circle.