Editor,
In the latest Meghalaya Assembly sessions many of our representatives have bemoaned the plight of the broomstick cultivators for the unprecedented falling of market price of broom and consequent upon which they have had to endure inexorable losses in terms of cost of cultivations! I, for one, wish to share their grievances at this critical juncture because they are victims of the fluctuating market dynamics in such field enterprises.
On this issue, l wish to bring home the point that originally broomstick cultivation was not recognized as an agro-crop but rather categorized as jungle product. Of late however, I have been told that now broomstick farming is bracketed under one of the premier agricultural crops. ln contention against this recognition, several years ago, l do believe even now, agro-experts have decidedly averred that broomstick as a farm venture is diametrically alien to sustainable agro-horticultural farming; these agricultural scientists have warned that rampant broom plantation will drastically transform the fertile agricultural landscape into veritable barren tracts, a precursor to total desertification!
Incidentally, several years ago in my official tour programme l was directed to collect important data on horticulture crops in a village Wahkhen, which fortuitously is the village of our incumbent Deputy Chief Minister P. Tynsong. While surveying the village l had been apprised by the farmers that prior to the cultivation of broomstick, the river Umru that has been flowing through this village was more often than not overflowing its banks, specifically during summers, but after some years of introducing broomstick plantation there has been a dramatic change in the dynamics of the said river. The volume of water has reduced sharply thereby precipitating a decrease in river depth. l was literally taken aback by such narratives and out of curiosity, l asked the agricultural officer concerned who was then in-charge of that specific village as to the phenomenon leading to the transformation of the said river’s eco-system as echoed by the villagers. The response l got was rather intriguing. He recounted the fact that the pre-eminent factor leading this river to the extant moribund state was owing to the abundant planting of broomsticks by farmers to yield economic prosperity. He further reiterated that the networks of roots, unlike other crops, can penetrate deep into the surface soil to voraciously suck its moisture contents, thus sapping the reachable water bodies irrepressibly. The forbidding instance he inferred being the river in question that meanders beside the village Wahkhen!
Taking everything into consideration, would it not be wise for the Government to discreetly discourage the plantation of broomstick progressively against the apprehensions that in course of time Meghalaya may become a Sahara desert in the making? The perceptible apprehension is that such type of farm culture may turn our future generations to end up becoming environmental refugees as what we are witnessing how in some pockets in the continent of Africa, and for that matter elsewhere have suffered starvations for having wantonly abused the rich environmental biodiversity.
A point to note is that l had flagged the same issue in these very columns several years ago, but regrettably the same had fallen on deaf ears and there were no takers for my cautionary words.
Yours etc.,
Jerome K Diengdoh,
Shillong-2
Dealing with fear
Editor,
The special article “Is Meghalaya’s progress derailed by misplaced resistance,” by Patricia Mukhim (ST March 14, 2025) made interesting reading. The point that struck me in this article was the author asking “There is a strong case for reframing and redefining fear and where it originates from.” Fear, at its core, is a primal emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. It plays a crucial role in survival, triggering physiological changes (like the “fight-or-flight” response) that prepares an individual to react quickly to a challenge or danger. However, fear is not limited to physical threats – it can also arise from psychological or social challenges, such as fear of failure or rejection. Rather than seeing fear solely as something negative, it can be reframed and redefined as a signal of importance. Fear often highlights what matters to us, such as our safety, relationships or personal goals. As a motivator fear can push us to prepare, grow, and overcome obstacles, helping us build resilience. As a teacher, fear invites self-reflection, revealing insecurities or unresolved issues that we can address to grow.
As to the origins of fear it can be traced to both evolutionary biology and cultural conditioning.
Biological origins: Fear is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. For early humans, fear was vital for survival – it kept them alert to predators and environmental dangers. The brain’s amygdala plays a key role in processing fear, triggering the release of adrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body for action.
Cultural and Learned origins: Fear is also shaped by upbringing, societal norms, and personal experiences. For example, a fear of public speaking may arise not from physical danger, but from cultural or social expectations and learned behaviours. When approached mindfully, fear can transition from being a barrier to a stepping stone. In fact, fear originates from deeply ingrained survival mechanisms but, with practice, it can be transformed into a catalyst for growth.
An insightful way to look at FEAR- False Expectation Appearing Real can reframe it as something less daunting. Often, fears that hold us back are rooted in imagined outcomes or exaggerated scenarios rather than actual threats. By recognising this, we can challenge those false expectations and take steps to overcome them. This perspective is particularly powerful in personal growth, as it encourages us to question our assumptions and push past self-imposed limitations.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Heartless governance system
Editor,
Four migrant workers from Bengal died reportedly of suffocation after they went down to clean a septic tank at an under-construction building on Mint Road in Nagpada, Mumbai, a few days ago. Another worker is in a critical condition. There should be enough artificial ventilation at the manhole at the time of manual work inside a septic tank. The workers need to be provided with adequate safety equipment. How long should we keep our eyes closed when more often than not workers keep on giving their lives to clean our excrement without adequate safety measures inside a septic tank? The media must publish follow-up reports about what actions are being taken against those who violated the safety protocols for the workers.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata