Shillong: Meghalaya farmers are reeling after cabbage wholesale prices crashed to Rs 2 per kg. This rate falls far below the Rs 10 per kg production cost, leaving cultivators with massive debts. On Thursday, the Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU) distributed six tonnes of free cabbage at the State Central Library in Shillong. Three pickup trucks delivered the produce from villages including Mawpyrshong, Thynroit, Mawlali, and Thangsning.
Scores of residents collected the vegetables as the HFU highlighted the disparity between farm-gate prices and the Rs 30 to Rs 40 consumers pay at retail. HFU general secretary Alfondbirth Kharsyntiew noted the futility of selling at current market rates. "When farmers receive only Rs 2 per kg, there is no point in selling because it does not even cover the cost of cultivation," he said. The union reported that a 100-terrace yield of 6,000 kg now results in a Rs 48,000 loss per season.
Farmers face mounting pressure from agricultural loans, labor costs, and rising school fees. Beyond the Rs 2 wholesale price, growers must pay for transport and a Rs 40 market fee per sack. HFU president Commander Shangpliang proposed a Minimum Input Price based on production costs. The union is currently demanding a rate of at least Rs 11 per kg and calling for a Market Intervention Scheme similar to past aid provided for broomstick crops.
The protest drew support from the Voice of the People Party Youth and Women’s wings. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal will meet with stakeholders on July 24 to examine the price collapse. Meanwhile, the HFU is testing alternative markets in Jowai and Ri-Bhoi. They also monitor regional supply chains that reach Silchar, Barpeta, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, and Siliguri.
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