Raphael Warjri

The first-ever Watermelon Festival at Mynriang village under Mawryngkneng C&RD Block in East Khasi Hills District witnessed an overwhelming response on August 15, with over four tonnes of locally grown watermelons sold during the day-long event.

Organised by the Mynriang Dorbar Shnong in collaboration with the National People’s Party Farmers Front, the festival was aimed at promoting local agriculture, supporting farmers and showcasing the village’s home-grown produce.

The festival, which commenced at 10 am, attracted a large number of visitors from neighbouring villages and other parts of the region, who turned up to purchase and savour watermelons cultivated by local farmers.

The locally produced watermelons, grown without the use of chemical pesticides, received an encouraging response from consumers and traders. The strong demand led several farmers to return to their fields to harvest additional produce after their stocks were sold out.

Organisers said the combined sales crossed the four-tonne mark, underscoring the growing potential of watermelon cultivation in the area and providing a significant boost to the local farming community.

The successful maiden edition of the festival is expected to further encourage agricultural activities and strengthen efforts to promote Mynriang as a destination for locally produced farm commodities.