From Our Correspondent
TURA, May 6: There is no end in sight to the plight of betel nut farmers in Garo Hills as the trade of the Burmese variety, smuggled from Bangladesh, has continued to thrive.
Betel nut was the go-to crop for the farmers of Garo Hills as it fetched a good price. Many farmers had given up the traditional slash and burn farming and took to betel nut plantations.
The traders from Assam and the plains belt of Garo Hills were the main buyers of the Meghalaya variety of betel nuts. The business was so profitable that they would make advanced payments even for plantations in the remote areas of Garo Hills region.
Then, four years ago, the smuggling of the Burmese variety began. As it is cheap, the traders fell for it. Soon, the markets in Assam got flooded with these smuggled betel nuts, thereby affecting over four lakh residents of Garo Hills.
According to reports, 40-50 Burmese betel nut-laden trucks enter India on a daily basis. Alarmed by this, resolutions were adopted to thwart the illegal movement of betel nuts through Garo Hills. However, this could not mitigate the sufferings of local farmers. The reason is the illegal traders have changed the destinations of the consignments as well as transit routes.
“Earlier, the National Highway 62 (through Rongjeng in East Garo Hills) was used as most smugglers were from Assam’s Goalpara. However, when the heat on them grew, they stayed silent for a few days before working out another route through which they could easily ply their trade with minimum fuss,” a source said.
After a brief hiatus, the smugglers changed their operating road, keeping everything within the district of West Khasi Hills (WKH). According to latest reports, betel nut smuggling is now going through at least two routes, both in WKH. The smugglers use either the Riangdo-Athiabari road or the more preferred road through Langpih.
“Langpih is easier as it falls under dispute with both Assam and Meghalaya claiming ownership of the land. This means that none of the administrations can actually enforce their will on what is taking place. This kind of a situation is perfect for these unscrupulous people whose only order of business is their profit and that of their masters, despite the impact on the local population,” the source further said.
The reports suggest that at least 20-30 trucks and smaller vehicles, carrying the Burmese variety, pass through Langpih and Athiabari before they reach Boko in Assam. Nobody tries to up a resistance, for the traders enjoy the blessings of the powers-that-be.
“That is why, the markets in Garo Hills and Assam have not been able to pick up momentum. Who would buy your product when you get the Burmese variety at a cheaper price?” the source said.
“In many markets, the price of betel nuts continues to remain Rs 3,000 per bag (from Rs 6,500 last year). Even if you wish to sell it at Rs 3,000 or lower than that, there would still be no buyers. The ones caring to take the Garo Hills variety of betel nuts are those who have a substantial amount of money and are only trying to recoup losses,” the source further said.
There is hardly any business of the local betel nuts and the fruits in the trees are likely to rot in the next few weeks.
“That is what happens when no one cares for farmers. One would expect that everything is done to ensure the farmers get their due at all points. However, when the entire farming community becomes the target of some people who are supported by those in power, we see and feel the haplessness around,” said social activist Nilberth Marak of Williamnagar.
“The markets will pick up only if those at the helm take things seriously to protect the interests of those who voted them to power. Till such time, we are doomed for sure,” the activist added.