JSU urges Meghalaya Govt to arrange markets for Betel Nut and Broomstick farmers

The union pointed out that farmers from the Ri War, especially those who reside in the War area of Jaintia Hills engaged in the cultivation of Betel Nuts (kwai), Betel Leaves (tympew) and Broomsticks are facing severe hardships in selling their produce.

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Daia Kharsati

SHILLONG:

The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) central body has petitioned the Deputy Commissioners of East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills urging the officials to allow cultivators of Betel Nuts, Betel Leaves and Broomsticks to sell their commodities at any arranged market area.

The union pointed out that farmers from the Ri War, especially those who reside in the War area of Jaintia Hills engaged in the cultivation of Betel Nuts (kwai), Betel Leaves (tympew) and Broomsticks are facing severe hardships in selling their produce.

The farmers cannot sell their commodities in the local market and since there are no markets to sell these products, they cannot store them for too long.

Stating that a lot of financial inputs to plant and grow these tropical plants are borne by the farmers, it will be helpful if the Government or the District Administration from both districts (EJHD and WJHD) allow the local vendors to sell the above mentioned commercial and traditional commodities at the local market (hat and iaw) during any open market day.

“The District Administration can impose strict protocols and would also ensure our participation to check the SOP’s during the time of transportation of the commodities," the union stated.

(Edited  by Shankar Kumar Turha)

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