Shillong, August 12: Meghalaya Government has created a corpus fund of Rs 4 crore to provide assistance to the farmers who are facing hardships due to the low market price of the broomstick.
While speaking to a section of reporters, Agriculture Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh informed that they have instituted a corpus fund of Rs 4 crore about three months back to help the broomstick farmers.
Lyngdoh said that the farmers are requested to stock their produce in a warehouse and not sell while the rate of the broomstick is at its lowest.
According to her, the interim period for the farmer between cuttings of the final produce to the sale in the market will be a relief.
Informing that the government will provide monetary assistance to the farmers, she however said that the farmers need to apply for the relief fund of broomstick.
Lyngdoh also informed that several cases have already been given to the farmers who have applied to avail monetary assistance through the corpus funds.
It may be mentioned that the State government is also exploring the possibility of enhancing the value of brooms by setting up processing centres in Amlarem, Pynursla and Mawsynram area where the people cultivate brooms.