SHILLONG : The Hill Farmers Union (HFU) on Thursday distributed cabbage free of cost to the public in Shillong to protest the drastic fall in vegetable prices, warning that many farmers may soon be forced to abandon farming if the crisis continues.
Carrying banners that read, “Free distribution of cabbage to the public… But the time will come when we may have to give up farming because it has become too difficult to farm,” the union sought to draw attention to the hardships faced by farmers.
HFU President Commander Shangpliang said cabbage is currently selling for just Rs 2 per kilogram, far below the cost of production.
“When prices fall this low, there is no point in selling. This is our way of showing the government and the public how badly farmers are suffering,” he said.
The union demanded that the Meghalaya government constitute a committee to assess the actual cost of agricultural production and ensure farmers receive fair prices. According to Shangpliang, if production costs amount to Rs 10 per kg, farmers should receive at least Rs 11 per kg to earn a minimum profit.
HFU also urged the government to introduce a Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for all agricultural produce. Referring to the earlier support extended to broomstick growers, the union said the government should compensate farmers for the difference between production costs and prevailing market prices.
The union further highlighted that many farming families are struggling to meet essential household expenses, including school fees and daily necessities, due to the collapse in prices.
HFU appealed to the state government to take immediate steps to ensure fair, remunerative and sustainable prices for farmers across Meghalaya.