SHILLONG, July 29: Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday assured the Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU) that their 10-point charter of demands including concerns over Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) would be carefully examined.
The assurance came following a two-hour-and-twenty-minute meeting with HFU leaders.
Due to restrictions under Section 144 CrPC at Secretariat Hills, Lyngdoh stepped out of the Main Secretariat to meet the farmers waiting at the State Central Library premises.
Speaking to reporters after the interaction, Lyngdoh said the primary issue raised by the farmers was the Market Intervention Scheme. She explained that while the Centre makes several promises under the scheme, the conditions for availing its benefits are excessively stringent.
Since 2022, several states have written to the Centre requesting MIS support, but only Jammu & Kashmir (for apples) and Nagaland (for potatoes) have received approval.
Lyngdoh advised farmers to promptly file FIRs in cases of crop damage caused by natural calamities so that officials can properly assess the losses.
She also noted that many farmers are unaware that their crops can be insured, which would allow them to claim compensation in the event of damage.
To improve awareness, the Minister announced plans to organise Farmers’ Block Galas to showcase various government schemes and interventions.
Regarding agricultural loans, Lyngdoh pointed out that many farmers lease land and are unable to access loans without the landowner’s approval. Acknowledging systemic challenges, she stated, “Farmers are asking why tomato prices are so low and why support is delayed. Some solutions are immediate, others require inter-agency coordination.”
She also stressed the need for better data collection and farmer outreach, calling for more proactive engagement from government officials.
One of the key concerns raised was the arbitrary deduction of produce weight at Iewduh market. In response, Lyngdoh clarified that the KHADC’s 2021 regulation empowers the Council to set Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and to prohibit such deductions. “This falls under the District Council’s jurisdiction,” she said, urging all agencies to work together for the welfare of farmers.
HFU general secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew appealed to the government to implement a structured Market Intervention Scheme to stabilise prices of key vegetables such as ginger, cabbage, tomato, radish, and chilli.
He also sought financial relief for farmers affected by natural disasters and for the family of a farmer from Lapangap village who died during a border dispute.
To promote sustainable agriculture and food safety, the HFU called for a dedicated budget to train farmers on the use of fertilisers and bio-inputs. They also urged the government to set up data collection centres in every district to monitor crop production and improve planning, pricing, and market regulation. The HFU expressed its willingness to partner with the government on this initiative.
The Union further pressed for the introduction of a progressive Agriculture Policy aimed at transforming Meghalaya’s farming sector, boosting farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable practices.
