Shillong, Jul 29: Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh today held an extensive meeting with a delegation of farmers at the Secretariat.
The nearly two-hour-long discussion revolved around a 10-point memorandum submitted by the Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU), highlighting key issues affecting farmers across the state.
Describing the meeting as “serious and heartfelt,” Lyngdoh engaged with the delegation led by HFU general secretary Allfonbirth Kharsyntiew. The charter of demands included calls for immediate compensation to farmers affected by natural calamities, regulation of market pricing, training on fertiliser use, faster release of pending dues and the formulation of a forward-looking agricultural policy. Among their suggestions was the creation of district-level crop production data centres to enhance market connectivity and support evidence-based policy planning.
Following the formal meeting, Lyngdoh met additional HFU members who had gathered nearby but were unable to enter the Secretariat due to security restrictions.
Speaking to the press, Lyngdoh acknowledged the grievances raised and noted that while some issues can be addressed immediately, others require broader coordination. “The government cannot turn a blind eye to people’s struggles. Farmers want to know why their produce, like tomatoes, is undervalued, and why aid arrives too late. I’ve assured them that we’ll take immediate action where possible but some solutions lie beyond the state’s immediate control.”
She pointed out that the central government’s Market Intervention Scheme currently includes only potatoes and apples and extending its benefits to other crops would necessitate reforms at the national level. Regarding the HFU’s request for compensation to the family of a farmer killed in Lapangap during a border dispute with Assam, the minister said the matter remains under police investigation and falls under inter-state jurisdiction.
A major concern raised was the practice of “Ot Killo”, arbitrary deductions from produce observed even in government-regulated markets like Mawiong. Lyngdoh admitted that this issue falls within the authority of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. “There are limits to what I can intervene in. But I urge all local bodies – district councils, municipalities, district administrations – to collaborate with the state so that these issues can be resolved collectively.”
