📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Chirnzb
Derivative work: Unpetitprole
Agriculture
Meghalaya Launches Japanese Tochiotome Strawberry Variety to Boost Horticulture
✍️ Hub News
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 10:37 PM
👁 9
The Meghalaya government has introduced the Japanese Tochiotome strawberry variety, aiming to enhance local horticulture and diversify fruit production.
The Meghalaya state government has officially rolled out the Japanese Tochiotome strawberry variety across selected horticultural zones. The move is part of a broader strategy to modernise fruit cultivation and increase farmers’ income.
Tochiotome, known for its large size, bright red colour and high sugar content, has been cultivated in Japan for over a decade. Experts say the variety can thrive in Meghalaya’s temperate climate, offering a longer harvesting season compared to traditional local strains.
Agriculture officials have announced support programmes, including training for growers and subsidies for seed procurement. The state anticipates that the new variety will boost exports to neighboring states and attract niche market buyers.
Farmers in the Garo Hills and Khasi Hills districts are already receiving seedlings, with pilot plots expected to yield first fruits by late summer. The initiative is expected to create additional employment opportunities in processing and marketing.
The introduction of Tochiotome is seen as a key step toward diversifying Meghalaya’s agricultural portfolio and positioning the state as a premium fruit producer in the region.
Tochiotome, known for its large size, bright red colour and high sugar content, has been cultivated in Japan for over a decade. Experts say the variety can thrive in Meghalaya’s temperate climate, offering a longer harvesting season compared to traditional local strains.
Agriculture officials have announced support programmes, including training for growers and subsidies for seed procurement. The state anticipates that the new variety will boost exports to neighboring states and attract niche market buyers.
Farmers in the Garo Hills and Khasi Hills districts are already receiving seedlings, with pilot plots expected to yield first fruits by late summer. The initiative is expected to create additional employment opportunities in processing and marketing.
The introduction of Tochiotome is seen as a key step toward diversifying Meghalaya’s agricultural portfolio and positioning the state as a premium fruit producer in the region.