By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said the government is looking forward to establishing a farmers’ commission to address their grievances.
Speaking as the chief guest at the first farmers’ parliament on Tuesday here, Sangma stressed that the government needed to be clear about farmers’ problems before making policies and implementing schemes, Sangma pointed out that there are infrastructure and logistical challenges but “farmers are to adapt to the different kinds of trends witnessed in the market”.
“There are so many technologies today and I would want to bring this technology to Meghalaya and want the farmers to see and want the government officials help connect the farmers and technology providers to be able to help our farmers get value to every product that they grow,” Sangma said. The parliament comes at a time when the country is seeing ripples of farmers’ protests in different cities, including the power centre Delhi.
The chief minister also promised to make Meghalaya a model state even as he admitted that there are challenges in many sectors. Sangma said there are challenges in healthcare, education and agriculture sectors.
However, “if there is a focused approach and a clear purpose-driven policy making to connect with people, proper implementation, proper accountability, regular monitoring, I am sure our sectors will improve”, he added.
With the state having bagged the most improved small state in the category of agriculture, he was hopeful that in the coming years, Meghalaya will get awards for other departments too.
The farmers’ parliament was held with the aim to bridge the gap between policymakers and farmers and to ensure that the latter are aware of all the government schemes and different missions.
The parliament was attended by farmers from different parts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi at the State Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Sangma said the goal is to be able to help farmers increase productivity and decrease stress levels.
Sharing anecdotes on his visit to SIAL, a food processing conference in France, he informed on the state government’s tie-up with SIAL so as to have an Indian SIAL. “We would have a food programme here in Shillong and connect the entire North East and South East Asian and ASEAN nations. I feel that if all this comes together this whole region can become a hub of food processing for the entire world,” he added.
Terming the day as a historic moment, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said the government can understand the problems of farmers and addresses the concerns accordingly through farmers’ programme.
Referring to the award received by the state which has been adjudged the Most Improved Small State in the category of Agriculture, he said the department and the farmers have worked hard to get the award. Lyngdoh has put emphasis on unity among farmers.
On the other hand, the minister has urged the farmers to not be credulous as was seen in the last elections. He cited the example of people using sticks to push the EVM button due to superstitions. “When you don’t understand, you should ask,” he told the assembly of farmers.
Agriculture Production Commissioner KN Kumar, who was also present at the programme, said small, marginal and semi-medium comprise 96 per cent of the total farmers in the state and 3 lakh farmers depended on 15 per cent of land.
Marginal farmers own less than 1 hectare while small farmers own less than 2 hectare of land. Semi-medium farmers own less than 4 hectares of land.
Kumar said farmers’ organisations are very weak and are not able to articulate their concern effectively.
“Through the forum, there will be more awareness among farmers and officials will also be sensitised about effective relationship between government and farmers,” he said.
According to him, only farmers who have diversified to animal husbandry, agriculture and fishery and other plantation are able to sustain their livelihood. He said the farmers’ parliament is a forum that is a need of the hour to ensure the real concern of the farmers is addressed.