SHILLONG: The Hill Farmers Union (HFU) Central Body members under the leadership of its president Commander Shangpliang visited West Garo Hill to take stock of the problems faced by the farmers of Garo Hills.
The union on Saturday held a meeting at Jengjal under Rongram Block in which hundreds of farmers participated. During the meeting, Shangliang and general secretary Alfondbirth Kharsyntiew highlighted the objectives of the union and also its achievements during the past two years.
“We have come to meet the farmers of Garo Hills to wake them up and to tell them that it is high time to stand united as farmers and raise voice on issues that concern us,” said Alfondbirth adding that farmers should unite to solve their problems.
HFU president of Nongstoin Block informed that the union had convinced the government to set up the Meghalaya Farmers Welfare Association and also recognise black pepper and bay leaf as agricultural products and broomstick as agro forest product.
Shangpliang said that the union aims to provide the farmers knowledge about the modern techniques of farming. He added that the union will hold the 2nd Farmers Parliament in Garo Hills this year to enable the farmers to flag their issues.
Further, the executive committee members of HFU Rongram Block were also elected. The elected members are: Micheal G Momin, president, Dalsing Samgma, vice president, Bonseng Marak, general secretary, Chakman Marak, assistant secretary, Albina Marak, treasurer and 15 others.
Shangpliang administered the oath to the elected members. The farmers decided to support the union and raise their issues before the concerned authority.