Mawkyrwat: A temporary farmer’s market was set up in Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills district to avoid congestion in the main Mawkyrwat Market and to maintain social distancing and other health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the district.
The much awaited temporary market was inaugurated by Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L Tongkhar in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo, Mawkyrwat MDC Carness Sohshang, government officials, village leaders and shopkeepers, on Monday.
Tongkhar said that the main objective of setting up the farmer’s market is to reduce congestion at the main market to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to different parts of the district.
“Taking into consideration the need to maintain social distancing and at the same time to allow local farmers to sell their produce, the hawkers as well as vendors to run their business and to maintain cleanliness in the market, the ‘Temporary Farmer’s Market’ was set up,” Tongkhar said.
He also lauded the people of the district for working hand in hand with the government while adding that if there are any signs of development in the district it is because of the collective efforts and cooperation of the people.
Meanwhile, the people of South West Khasi Hills district have expressed their sadness over the transfer of Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo to East Khasi Hills after three years of service in the district.
Tongkhar said that the district cannot hold on to her forever because the state needs her service.
Meanwhile, Laloo said that the inauguration of the ‘Temporary Farmers’ Market’ is an opportunity for farmers to market their produce. The market will reduce congestion and improve cleanliness, she added. ‘It will also be a model farmers’ market not just in the district but in the state as well’, Laloo said.
The market should be a democratic market where farmers and shopkeepers will be able to bring different types of goods for sale, she added.