Farmers demand more for agriculture in State budget

SHILLONG: Various farmers’ unions and associations in Meghalaya under the banner of Joint Action Committee of All Meghalaya Farmers Union (JACAMFU) have asked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who also holds the Agriculture portfolio, to increase the budget allocation for the department of agriculture so as to uplift the state of farmers in Meghalaya as has been done by the Centre in the Union Budget.
The Chairman of JACAMFU, Commander Shangpliang in a statement issued to the media on Sunday said that the farmers’ body expects the Chief Minister to enhance the budget for the agriculture sector.
“If the government feels for  the farmers, it should earmark more money to the agriculture department similar to the budget allotted to veterinary, soil, horticulture, water resources and irrigation departments,” he said.
The farmers’ body also pointed out that an agriculture policy should be in place to help promote agricultural practices in the State.