By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 23: The NPP Farmers’ Front has urged the state government to swiftly address several pressing issues faced by farmers across Meghalaya.
In a meeting held on Wednesday, chaired by the front’s Chairman, HM Shangpliang, and general secretary Egenstar Kurkalang, the party’s farmers’ wing engaged with cultivators from across the state to discuss key concerns.
One of the primary issues raised was the falling market price of broomstick.
Speaking to reporters, Shangpliang expressed concern over the steep decline in prices, pointing out that the current government-fixed rates are too low — Grade I broomstick is priced at Rs 55 per kg, Grade II at Rs 40, and Grade III at Rs 30.
He stated that the front plans to appeal for a revision of these rates.
Shangpliang also slammed the current quota system, which limits broomstick procurement to 800 kg per farmer. He argued that many cultivators harvest between 2,000 to 3,000 kg and are left without viable avenues to sell the surplus. “We plan to request the government to re-examine this quota,” he said.
Another major concern discussed was the spread of bud rot disease, which has severely affected arecanut plantations — especially in West and South West Khasi Hills.
The Farmers’ Front stressed the need for immediate government intervention. Shangpliang urged the agriculture and horticulture departments to investigate the outbreak and provide urgent support to affected farmers.
The meeting also highlighted the lack of awareness and slow implementation of the Chief Minister’s ASSURE scheme, aimed at supporting arecanut farmers.
“Many farmers are not even aware of the scheme,” Shangpliang said, also noting that the registration process has been hampered by poorly informed block-level volunteers. The Front plans to push for better awareness campaigns and grassroots training.
As of April 21, a total of 5,657 farmers had registered under the CM ASSURE scheme, with only 4,182 approved so far and Rs 5.82 crore disbursed. The Front aims to improve participation by working closely with farmers.
Fertilisers for farmers
Meanwhile, the Front announced that over 500 metric tons of fertilisers will soon be distributed to farmers.
Shangpliang thanked Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for facilitating the release of fertiliser stocks that had been stuck in Dibrugarh, Assam, due to pending clearances.
The consignment has now reached Khanapara and is awaiting final approval from the Cooperative department. Shangpliang noted that the fertiliser shortage, ongoing since February, has posed serious challenges for farmers dependent on it for cultivation.
To strengthen its organisational base, the NPP Farmers’ Front has appointed district presidents in Khasi, Jaintia, and Ri-Bhoi districts. These leaders have been given one month to form district and block-level committees.