Farmers’ plight upsets KHADC members

SHILLONG: The plight of farmers at a time when the state is planning to augment organic cultivation was highlighted by several MDCs on the second day of the KHADC session on Wednesday.
The MDCs were participating in a motion moved by UDP member Teinwell Dkhar on the problems faced by farmers within the jurisdiction of the KHADC in marketing products.
Stating that the prices of agricultural produce are less compared to the cost of production, Dkhar said, “There is a decline in the economic growth of farmers.”
He added that the prices of agricultural produce are decreasing at a time when the government is contemplating to increase the salaries of its staff.
“The Executive Committee should look into the issue. The government should fix a Minimum Support Price for bay leaf, tomato, potato, pepper etc,” he said.
HSPDP MDC Mansturdy Nongrem said an official resolution should be sent to the state government to address the farmers’ issues.
“Till date, broom grass has not been recognised as an agricultural produce. There should also be opportunities for better marketing system,” Nongrem said.
According to the MDC, frequent trainings and workshops by agriculture experts will benefit farmers.
“Farmers should know about the quality of soil. The district council has sufficient funds and we can give training to farmers by setting up a centre. We can directly speak to officials in ICAR to train the farmers,” Nongrem said.
HSPDP MDC Samlin Malniang, who is also a minister, rued that farmers in his constituency would often wait for nature’s mercy and wish against natural calamities.
NPP member HS Shylla highlighted the credit deposit (CD) ratio of 60 per cent prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India where banks should maintain the 60 per cent CD ratio.
“Farmers should take bank loans,” he said, adding that there should be an insurance cover for the produce.
He suggested that there should be markets at 7th Mile, Lad Smit and Mawiong but added at the same time that objection to set up such markets comes from traders.
Again, a section of the MDCs were hopeful that Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, who is an MDC, will work hard.
In his reply to the motion, Executive member in charge of market Hadrian Lyngdoh admitted that there is interference by middlemen, “which has affected farmers”.
He added that the proposal for official resolution on problems faced by farmers and support price will be discussed in the Executive Committee meeting.