Shillong: Cabbage farmers in Shillong are handing out produce for free. The market collapse forced them to dump their inventory. MDA advisor Ampareen Lyngdoh weighed in on Saturday, blaming the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council for poor market management.
Lyngdoh demanded answers regarding specific market gate practices and the so-called odd kilo system. These administrative failures allegedly trap farmers in cycles of loss. She questioned the council's lack of action, saying, “I would like to ask them what they are doing to ensure that farmers are not seen giving away their produce free of cost to citizens.”
The former agriculture minister admits the state lacks a perfect fix for perishable crops. She urged growers to sign up for existing government aid programs. She maintains the current MDA administration provides more support than any previous government. Agriculture Minister and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma are reportedly reviewing the situation.
Lyngdoh called for a fresh policy approach to handle perishable goods. Short-term fixes are not enough. Officials need long-term strategies to protect rural livelihoods from total ruin. She remains in solidarity with the farmers despite not having full data on the collapse.
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