Farmers’ union bats for removal of deduction system

SHILLONG: The Hill Farmer Union (HFU) has urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM Teiñwell Dkhar to do away with the deduction system for agricultural produce in Iewduh which the union considers a bane to the farming community.
The union said that the deduction system should be removed from all markets operating under the jurisdiction of the KHADC and that the KHADC should issue an order to not allow any kind of deductions in Iewduh.
“The Syiem of Hima Mylliem should also be directed to enforce the order,” the union said. The union stated that farmers should be allowed to sell their produce at Iew dielang till 2 pm as decided by the Syiem Dorbar of Hima Mylliem and to put up a clear sign board.
The union also demanded the cancellation of trading licenses of non-tribal traders if they continue with the system of deduction.
Dkhar on the other hand, assured the union that he would look into the matter.
Meanwhile, the union members also met Deputy CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem who informed them that the KHADC has constituted a committee to specifically look into the welfare of farmers.