Shillong, July 24: Farmers in East Khasi Hills have urged the government to formulate an Agriculture Policy to safeguard the interests of farmers and protect them from severe losses caused by the sharp decline in the prices of agricultural produce.
The demand came after farmers recently distributed their produce free of cost to the public due to a steep fall in market prices. In view of the difficulties faced by the farming community, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal held a meeting with representatives of the Hills Farmers Union on Friday at his office to understand their concerns.
The meeting was attended by Hills Farmers Union President Commander Shangpliang, Secretary Allfondbirt Kharsyntiew and other members of the organisation.
Speaking to the media, Commander Shangpliang said the Union suggested that the Deputy Commissioner monitor the prices of agricultural produce in the markets through a Price Monitoring Committee. He also urged the DC to take up the matter with the higher authorities to ensure that farmers are not exploited or forced to sell their produce at extremely low prices.
He further said the Union conveyed to the Deputy Commissioner the farmers’ demand for a comprehensive Agriculture Policy that would provide necessary support and protection to the farming community.
Shangpliang also pointed out that only a small number of farmers in East Khasi Hills are benefiting from the PM-KISAN scheme, which provides financial assistance to farmers and can help them improve their agricultural activities. He said the Deputy Commissioner encouraged farmers to make use of the scheme introduced by the government.
The Hills Farmers Union president also appealed to leaders of various farmers’ units to collect accurate data on the number of farmers, particularly ahead of the cabbage harvesting season, so that the figures could be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. He expressed hope that the government would consider providing appropriate assistance to farmers based on the data and prevailing circumstances.
