SHILLONG, May 14: The NPP Farmers’ Front on Wednesday urged the state government to revise the minimum support price for broomstick in light of a sharp decline in market rates.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Farmers’ Front Chairman Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang highlighted the pressing issue of falling broomstick prices. He noted that the current government-fixed rate for Grade I broomstick stands at only Rs 55 per kg — an amount he described as inadequate.
Shangpliang also raised concerns over the existing procurement cap, which limits broomstick purchases to 800 kg per farmer. He pointed out that many farmers hold stock well above this limit and appealed to the government to raise the ceiling to 1,000 or even 1,500 kg, depending on its evaluation of the situation.
Additionally, the Chairman highlighted the slow implementation and poor awareness of the Chief Minister’s ASSURE scheme, which is meant to support arecanut growers.
“Many farmers are not even aware of the scheme,” Shangpliang said, urging the government to launch a widespread publicity and awareness campaign to ensure the scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries.
He further called on the government to tackle the growing incidence of bud rot disease affecting betel nut (arecanut) plantations, particularly in the West and South West Khasi Hills districts.
“We have requested the government to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the outbreak by involving scientists and agricultural officers,” he said, also appealing for compensation for farmers impacted by the disease.
Shangpliang thanked the farming community for their role in facilitating the recent release of delayed fertiliser stocks. At the same time, he urged the Deputy Chief Minister to resume the halted distribution of piglets and chicks, a move critical to supporting livestock farmers.
He also conveyed farmers’ concerns about the shortage of veterinary doctors and essential medicines in dispensaries across several districts, stating that this gap continues to hinder timely animal healthcare services.
