Vegetable growers come up with own challans

SHILLONG: The Khasi Jaintia Fresh Vegetable Supplier Association has released a road challan, which will be used while transporting agricultural produce of farmers.
It was released during a meeting of the association at its office in Mawlyngad, East Khasi Hills on Saturday.
In a statement, the association said it came up with the idea of a road challan following numerous cases of harassment and extortion during transportation of vegetables.
The association stated that vehicles transporting the agricultural produce are fined for being overloaded at three different weighbridges in 7th Mile, Umtyra and Ratacherra.
The fine of Rs 2000 – Rs 3000 has affected the suppliers and the association had met the authorities looking after the weighbridge to discuss the issue.
The association said that the vehicles are stranded for hours posing a threat to the perishable commodities.
“The association wants to help the farmers but we are helpless when we are heavily fined,” the statement said.
The association will meet Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and Minister of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar regarding the matter.
It said that a public meeting will be organised with the farmers if the harassment at the weighbridges continues.