Fifth Day of Autumn Session: Agriculture and allied activities remain core concern in Assembly
Raising a short discussion during the zero hour session, Mawsynram Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Himalaya M. Shangpliang called the attention of the House to the demand of the Hill Farmers Union (HFU) regarding an arbitrary deduction of 10 per cent in price of agricultural produce.
Agriculture and allied activities remained the core area of discussion during the Assembly session on Thursday, with Congress legislators raising several issues related to the plight of farmers in the state.
Raising a short discussion during the zero hour session, Mawsynram Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Himalaya M. Shangpliang called the attention of the House to the demand of the Hill Farmers Union (HFU) regarding an arbitrary deduction of 10 per cent in price of agricultural produce.
Terming the deduction as exploitation of farmers, the Congress legislator observed that the government has not initiated any action to stop such malpractice. He suggested the government to abolish such practices, which would allow farmers to yield a fair amount for their produce.
He further questioned the government on whether the Farmers' Commission has looked into these issues over the last two years. Stating that the development of the farming sector needs a new approach, he recommended the government to formulate a separate budget exclusively for the sector, one that would be farmer-centric.
Similarly, Congress MLA from West Shillong Mahendro Rapsang cited the decline in production of the Khasi Mandarin (oranges), which has a geographical indication tag, owing to imports of oranges from Nagpur and others places inundating the market. Taking into consideration the effect on mandarin farmers as a result, Rapsang requested the government to preserve and increase the production of the fruit in the state.
Further highlighting the effect of lockdown on farmers, Congress legislator from Ampati, Maini Shira, brought attention to the problems faced by farmers involved in fisheries and poultry, such as procuring feed for animals amidst lockdown-related constraints. She added that the government must be prepared to deal with natural disasters, and therefore establish a proper mechanism to assist farmers during such times.
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