By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 11: In a bid to boost the functionality of Iewduh and thwart any malpractice which will affect the farmers of the state, a committee is in the process of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for infrastructure improvement in the biggest traditional market of the state, with the support of the concerned departments.
This was informed by Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh during a meeting with different farmers’ and traders’ groups and associations on Monday which was convened by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare under her chairmanship.
The meeting was called by the minister to address a number of issues and concerns raised by farmers from time to time, and to highlight some of the initiatives taken by the department in the interest of farmers.
It may be mentioned that there is an issue of reduction in weight of agriculture produce being practised across the state.
On this, Lyngdoh said that several complaints and grievances have been brought to her notice. She asserted that practices which adversely impact the farmers will not be tolerated.
Committees both at the state and district level are being constituted for monitoring the markets to ensure that any illegal practices negatively affecting the farmers will be checked, she said. “These committees will also look into any other matter concerning the welfare of farmers and traders and make suitable recommendations to the department,” Lyngdoh added.
A few of the issues raised by the groups related to timely distribution of agricultural seeds and inputs, fertiliser availability, expanding benefits under PM-KISSAN and PM-FBY, among others, for which detailed discussion was held, and information was shared with the farmers on the steps taken by the department.
The Agriculture minister also stressed on the need for proper dissemination of information among the farmers on the different schemes and programmes of the government that will be beneficial to them, while adding that such meetings at the district level can also be convened so that there is prompt redressal of all issues being faced by farmers. With regard to the State Agriculture Policy, the minister said that the state government has taken cogniance of the need to have a comprehensive agriculture policy that is consistent with socio-economic and ecological condition of the state. The skeletal framework is in place and shall be placed in public domain in due course for suggestions and comments, she said.
In reply to queries with respect to provision of incentives to educate youth and provide training in the agriculture sector, it was informed that the department through the office of the Principal Basic Agricultural Centre implements an on-campus training programme called ‘Training of Rural Educated Youth for Self Employment in Farm-based Activities’ (TREYSEFA)”.
