Proposed amendment to Council Act on markets evokes concern
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 28: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of vegetable traders’ association on Monday sought a clarification from the KHADC on whether the proposed second amendment to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Establishment, Management and Control of Markets) Regulation Act 2021 will ensure the protection of the interests of the stakeholders, which include the vegetable traders.
The JAC, comprising the Khasi-Jaintia Fresh Vegetables Supplier Association, Iewduh Khasi Pnar Association and Fresh Green Ginger, Ri-Bhoi district, met the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KHADC, Pyniaid Sing Syiem to pitch the idea that the new amendment should safeguard their interests.
Speaking to reporters, JAC chairman Bristar Mawthoh said that the CEM has clarified that the Council will need to frame rules for implementation of the Act.
According to Mawthoh, the KHADC chief had asked the JAC to submit their suggestions which could be incorporated into the rules to be formulated by the council.
Informing that the JAC will first meet to discuss the matter, the JAC chairman said that the committee may submit its suggestions to the Council by next week.
He said that the deduction of weight of agricultural produce should be retained since vegetable traders will be affected if it is withdrawn.
According to him, the vegetable traders are buying the agricultural produce in bulk. It is a known fact that certain amount of the vegetable produce brought by the farmers for sale in Iewduh is already spoilt.
“It is for this reason that it is important to retain the deduction of weight of agricultural produce,” Mawthoh said.
He, however, admitted that there will be some black sheep from among the vegetable traders and even farmers who would take advantage of the situation.
Earlier, KHADC Executive Member (EM) in charge of Market, Grace Mary Kharpuri, claimed that the upcoming amendment to the Act will address the many problems faced by the farmers including deduction of permissible weight of agricultural produce and it will also look into the interest of the livestock farmers as well.
She said that the Council’s executive committee will also come up with a minimum support price which will to a great extent help the farmers.
The Act, passed by the KHADC on March 2, 2021, was approved by the Governor on July 26 this year.
The Act looks to promote and facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce and livestock and also bring more accountability and transparency in the implementation of the regulation.
It may be mentioned that the Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing Facilitation Sub-Committee (APLMFSC) will be constituted to ensure that all the legal rights and privileges of the farmers relating to the marketing of agricultural produce and livestock are honoured.