MAWKYRWAT, May 28: The central body of Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU) on Friday inspected different villages in Shiliang Um Rilang area under Mawkyrwat Block, which is one of the largest producers of chayote, generally known as squash, in the state and assured to help farmers in transporting the produce to different markets in the state and outside in the upcoming weeks.
Speaking to media persons after the inspection of the cultivation at Mawsaw village, HFU president Commander Shangpliang said that during last year, the farmers from Shiliang Um area, just like others from various parts of the state, were subjected to problems such as transporting their produce due to the lockdown. That had led to a lot of wastage.
Despite the government, in the last few weeks, calling the farmers to collect the car passes, there have been many incidents, Shangpliang said, when he had to help the farmers after they were intercepted by police and were not allowed to pass.
“The squash from Shiliang Um Rilang area of South West Khasi Hills will be ready for supply in the next two-three weeks. If the government decides to end the lockdown then there will be no problems and the farmers can supply their produce just like before. However, if the lockdown is extended then we have to follow the same system where only vehicle with car pass can transport the produce to markets,” he said.
“Therefore, to avoid the wastage of the produce, the HFU is ready to help the farmers for the car pass to transport the produce to Shillong, Laitkor or to Assam,” Shangpliang said, adding that if any farmer seeks car pass, they can contact him or the leaders of the HFU, South West Khasi Hills.
Chayote or squash has emerged as a major agricultural produce for the people of Shiliang Um Rilang area in the last few years. Majority of the people of this area depend on squash to earn a livelihood besides livestock rearing which includes mainly piggery and poultry.
