MLA assures Mawkynrew broomstick farmers of taking up matter with govt
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 2: Farmers from the Mawkynrew area are faced with severe difficulties after the price of broomstick dropped from Rs 130 to Rs 30 per kg in the market.
In addition, traders at Mawiong are reportedly making unwarranted deductions in the weight of broomstick, further affecting the farmers.
While a majority of the farmers are now engaged in broomstick farming, which is their only source of livelihood, many are struggling to pay school fees for their children and meet their families’ needs.
Amid the crisis, Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh on Friday convened a meeting with hundreds of farmers and traditional heads from various villages in the area to discuss the issue at Thangsning village.
During the meeting, Lyngdoh argued that since broomstick is no longer classified as a forest produce, the KHADC can no longer collect forest royalties.
He noted that the state government’s decision to declare broomstick as an agro-forestry product should have benefited the farmers.
“But now, the farmers are facing problems due to the huge drop in the price of broomsticks,” said Lyngdoh, a former cabinet minister.
He assured attendees of the meeting that he would lead a delegation of farmers and traditional heads to both Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh to address the grievances of the broomstick farmers.
The MLA also mentioned that he would suggest the government to invite traders to explain the factors leading to the reduction in broomstick prices.
