Turning Meghalaya into an organic state was a noble idea but one that has led to severe distress for farmers, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh has told Highland Post.
In 2014, the previous state government cut chemical fertiliser subsidies with the aim of making Meghalaya an organic state along the lines of Sikkim.
When the Congress-led government did so, Lyngdoh said recently, it should have conducted proper field studies and reached out to farmers on the ground to understand their way of cultivation and provide them with solid alternatives before taking the decision.
“As Agriculture Minister and a local MLA from a constituency (Mawkynrew) that comprises 85 percent farmers, I understand the importance to go organic but this is easier said than done and we have to look into this matter from all aspects and see that the farmers are provided with training and alternatives before they adapt to any changes,” he said.
Most farmers are still dependent on urea to fertilise their fields but, since the withdrawal of the subsidy, are forced to purchase it in the open market.
“We are aware of this problem and we are working on this issue. I have already conducted three meetings on this matter and even though it will not be an easy task to bring any changes abruptly, we are positive to come up with an alternative and see that organic fertilisers replace chemical fertilisers, gradually ensuring that farmers do not suffer in the process,” the minister said.
Some farmers opine that without urea commercial farming would not be possible, as organic fruits and vegetables do not grow as big and are prone to blemishes. This cuts into their income and, as of now, farmers do not earn a premium for organic produce, as is the norm in other countries.
