In a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and community enterprise, Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district launched its first-ever Te•brong (Jackfruit) Festival on June 25, 2025, in Ampati. Organized by the District Administration and the Department of Tourism, the event aimed to spotlight the economic and nutritional potential of jackfruit, a native yet underutilized crop in the region.
A Sweet Summer Celebration
The day-long festival featured stalls by self-help groups (SHGs), government departments, and local entrepreneurs showcasing a variety of jackfruit-based products—from pickles and chips to the now-famous “Nokma” jackfruit ice cream. Competitions like indigenous cooking, jackfruit eating, and the heaviest jackfruit contest (won by a 37.89 kg fruit) drew enthusiastic participation.
Leaders Champion Local Innovation
MLAs Sanjay A. Sangma and Subir M. Marak, along with Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak, graced the event. In her address, DC Nayak emphasized the need to leverage local produce for economic empowerment and nutritional security, especially among school children. She called jackfruit “the essence of Garo Hills” and urged youth to explore its entrepreneurial potential.
A Platform for Rural Growth
The festival aligns with Meghalaya’s broader Mission Jackfruit, which aims to reduce post-harvest waste, promote value-added products, and create sustainable livelihoods through agro-processing clusters and startup funding. With over 4–5 lakh jackfruit trees in the state, the initiative could transform the rural economy and inspire similar models across the Northeast.
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