Farmers’ body demands cover policy

SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee of All Meghalaya Farmers’ Union (JACAMFU) has demanded implementation of the Centre’s crop insurance policy to provide assistance to farmers in time of crisis.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, chairman of JACAMFU Commander Shangpliang said, “In times of natural disasters, farmers are suppressed as compensation for the loss of agricultural produce is meagre. We demand that the State Government enhance the compensation amount.”
He stated that agricultural policy is necessary to protect farmers from sudden price fall in the market.
Speaking on the ban of using urea fertilisers, Shangpliang said, “The Government should release urea fertilisers and in the meantime make way for the implementation of organic farming in the State.”
Admitting that despite the ban, urea is being sold in markets, Shangpliang said it was due to high demand from farmers who have only one option to resort to the banned fertiliser as bio-fertiliser is not available. He criticised Mukul Sangma for not meeting them. “We urge the MLAs to discuss the plight of the farmers in the Assembly,” Shangpliang said.