Call to open up more market linkages

SHILLONG: Braving the challenges for several months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the farmers are now finally limping back on track with steady resumption of economic activity in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Commander Shangpliang, president of the Hill Farmers Union (HFU), said that more market linkages need to open up as the farmers are reluctant to go for mass production due to limited linkages.
He, however, said that the union is convincing the farmers to carry on with the usual production and not be hesitant or fearful.
Shangpliang further requested the state government to look into the possibilities of restarting export to Bangladesh.
Echoing similar views, secretary of the HFU, West Garo Hills District, LK Sangma, admitted that despite several challenges amid the lockdown, the government helped the farmers in various ways.
The government earlier, in a series of relaxation, had opened up markets in identified locations for traders to sell their produce. It had also set up a dedicated team who would go to remote villages, collect vegetables at a reasonable price and bring it to the town for distribution through the identified outlets.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said that things are getting back on track and the farmers are, thus, getting respite from their plight.
The minister was hopeful that with more relaxations in place, the economic situation will turn better in days to come with resumption of export to Bangladesh as well as Assam.
While informing that efforts are on to maximise the market linkages, Banteidor said, “It is just a matter of time for things to improve”.
Around 70 per cent of the state’s population depends on agriculture as its main source of livelihood.