SHILLONG, JUL 16: The Hill Farmers Union staged a protest on Thursday by distributing cabbage to the public free of cost, to draw attention to the severe drop in prices of agricultural produce.

HFU President Commander Shangpliang said the demonstration was a reflection of the deep distress among farmers due to falling market rates, especially for cabbage. 

“When prices crash to this extent, selling becomes almost meaningless. It is practically the same as giving it away for free. Through this distribution, we want to show the public and the government how badly farmers are suffering,” Shangpliang said.

He stated that cabbage is currently being sold at just Rs 2 per kg, a price that does not even cover production costs.

The HFU has urged the government to constitute a committee to assess the actual cost of production, including wages and other inputs. 

“If the input cost, including wages, is Rs 10 per kg, then the selling price should not be less than that. Farmers should at least earn a small profit. We are asking for a minimum price of Rs 11 per kg for cabbage,” Shangpliang added.

The union also called for the implementation of a Market Intervention Scheme for all agricultural produce.

Under the scheme, the government would compensate farmers for the difference between the cost of production and the market price. 

“For instance, if the cost is Rs 10 and the market price is Rs 2, the government should pay the farmer the remaining Rs 8 to prevent losses. The government has implemented this before for broomsticks. We expect the same support for cabbage and other crops,” he said.

Shangpliang further pointed out that farmers are struggling to meet household expenses, particularly with rising school fees.

“Farmers have families and children to support. Most of them are finding it extremely difficult to even feed their own families,” he said.