A two-year field investigation (2017–2018) was conducted at research and farmer’s field sites in Meghalaya, India, to evaluate the agronomic performance and economic viability of seven strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars under three mulching systems-black polyethylene, paddy straw, and Deenanath grass. Using a split-plot design, growth, yield, quality parameters, runner production, weed suppression, and disease incidence were recorded. Black polyethylene mulch produced the tallest plants, highest leaf

number, and superior weed control, reducing weeding costs by 25–30%. Deenanath grass mulch achieved the highest proportion of early yield (85%), enabling earlier market entry. ‘Festival’ and ‘Camarosa’ produced the largest fruits, while ‘Sweet Charlie’ recorded the highest per-plant yield. Economic analysis revealed high profitability, with net returns of ` 4.19 lakh per bigha in College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, CAU research site and ` 8.48 lakh in Sohliya village over six years, aided by premium prices from early harvest under plasticulture. The findings demonstrate that strategic mulching and cultivar selection can significantly enhance productivity, fruit quality, and profitability in North-East Indian strawberry production systems.

Highlights

• Evaluated seven strawberry cultivars under three mulching systems in Meghalaya, India.
• Black polyethylene mulch enhanced growth, yield, and weed suppression, cutting weeding costs by 25–30%.
• Deenanath grass mulch produced the highest early yield proportion (85%), improving market timing.
• ‘Festival’ and ‘Camarosa’ yielded the largest fruits; ‘Sweet Charlie’ gave the highest per-plant yield.
• Economic returns reached up to ` 8.48 lakh per bigha in plains over six years under plasticulture.
• Integrated mulching and cultivar selection improves profitability and productivity in North-East India