The problem of broom stick farmers incurring heavy loss due to deflated prices figured in the State Assembly today.
The issue was raised by UDP MLA from Amlarem constituency, Lahkmen Rymbui while participating in the amendment to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address.
Stating that the price of broomsticks has fallen drastically over the years, Rymbui said, “In the year 2021 the farmers were able to generate an economy of Rs 914 crore from broom cultivation only and that economy or income has now drastically come down to just Rs 450 crore.”
“The loss of the farmer is Rs 450 crore in the last one year. They are the assets of the State and time has come for the government to explore the possibilities of having a minimum support price for broom sticks in the State,” he said.
Talking about marketing, he said while the government has brought brooms under the list of horticulture produce, it is sad that till date the district councils collect tax on brooms.
Rymbui urged the government to issue an order to the deputy commissioners to stop the illegal collections of taxes by district councils on brooms on the highways.
He also suggested the State government explore the possibility of enhancing the value of brooms by setting up processing centres in Amlarem, Pynursla and Mawsynram area where the people cultivate brooms.
Joining ranks, Trinamool Congress parliamentary party leader Dr. Mukul Sangma said that there is also a serious issue of market manipulation affecting the farmers.
“Market manipulation is affecting the overall earning of the farmers, average earning of the household and what they would have otherwise earned is affected and reduced substantially,” he added.
Dr. Sangma cited that while a kilo of chicken costs around Rs 125 a kilo in the border towns of Assam, in Meghalaya it costs around Rs 300.
