Banteidor comes to farmers’ aid

SHILLONG: In a bid to address the plight of the farmers in the state, who are unable to pay their loans, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh has called for a meeting with all banking institutions while also revealing that interest on the loans for the period March-August has been waived off.
“The banks have assured to not take any interest from March to August and that the farmers need not hurry about it and can do so at their convenient time”, Lyngdoh said
As for the fee collection of Rs 10 per unit of sale from farmers, Lyngdoh expressed surprise that fee was collected from them although the place was meant strictly to help the farmers.
“I have directed the officers to find out who collects the fees. We will conduct an inquiry,” the Agriculture Minister said.