Concern expressed over fall of broomstick prices, bud rot disease in areca nut plantations, delay in fertiliser supply, lack of awareness on CM ASSURE
Shillong, Apr 24: The NPP’s Farmers’ Front has expressed concern over low government price of broomsticks and bud rot disease in areca nut plantations while emphasising on farmers’ awareness on CM ASSURE scheme.
A meeting of the Farmers’ Front decided to formally approach the government seeking redressal of the issues soon, said NPP spokesperson Himalaya M Shangpliang after the meeting on Tuesday.
Referring to the sharp fall of broomstick prices in open market, he said, “We understand from the farmers that the cost fixed by the government is a bit too low.”
The price for grade-I broomstick has been fixed at Rs 55 per kg, grade-II at Rs 40 and grade-III at Rs 30 per kg, he said.
Besides seeking enhancement of the broomstick rates, the NPP Farmers’ Front will also request for increase of procurement quota of 800 kg to beyond 1000 kg per farmer.
Some farmers have 2,000 to 3,000 kg harvest of broomstick, Shangpliang said.
Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Front also decided to take up with Agriculture and Horticulture department the need to contain the spread of bud rot disease and provide necessary assistance to all areca nut farmers.
“Farmers coming from West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills have reported about increased bud rot disease killing there areca nut trees,” he said, adding, “The disease is spreading from one district to another.”
Referring to CM ASSURE, a scheme for affected areca nut farmers, he said, “We will create awareness among areca nut farmers avail this scheme.”
Admitting delay in registration of farmers in CM ASSURE, he underlined the need to expedite the registration.
Although volunteers at block level assist in the process of registration, they are not fully aware about the scheme, he said while underscoring the need to increase awareness at grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the NPP leader sought to allay farmers’ apprehension about not getting the money on time, saying, “We have made it very clear to the farmers that the moment the farmer is registered, the money is released instantly.”
As of 21 April, 5,657 farmers have registered under CM ASSURE while 4,182 of them have been approved and subsequently provided the benefit, he said.
The amount released during the period is Rs 5.82 crore, he added.
Members of Farmers Front will meet the farmers and create awareness about the scheme, he said.
Also admitting delay in distribution of subsidised fertilisers among the farmers, Shangpliang informed that Meghalaya will soon procure 500 MT fertilizers for the distribution.
He also mentioned that most farmers use fertilisers although “organic farming is the trend”.
“It will take some time for this transition but till such time, we appeal to the government to continue to support our farmers by providing the fertilizers,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the NPP Farmers’ Front has appointed district presidents in Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi and they have been given a month’s time to constitute the respective district and block committees.
