Shillong, Nov 5: Farmers under the banner of Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU) on Monday resolved to sell their agricultural produces at the main market at ïewduh by not allowing buyers to deduct the actual weight of their goods, even as they threatened to take their goods to the State Secretariat if authorities fail to address the problem.

The farmers also decided to convene a general assembly (Dorbar) where representatives of the farmers’ body from various units would participate in the Dorbar, and raise the plights of farmers before the state officials who would be also invited to attend the Dorbar.

Addressing the farmers at Khasi National Dorbar Hall, Mawkhar on Monday, HFU president, Commander Shangpliang said that the problems faced farmers have been ignored all these years by people at the helm of affairs, and no one wanted to either know or understand about the plights of farmers including the deduction of the actual weight of agricultural produces that were sold in various markets.

“The buyers have threatened to stop buying our goods if we do not allow them to deduct the actual weight of our agricultural produces. On November 7, we will sell our produces at ïewduh without allowing the buyers to resort to any kind of illegal deductions. If they refuse to buy, we will inform the Syiem of Hima Mylliem as well as the Deputy Commissioner. However if the concerned authorities fail to take action, we will take our agricultural produces to the State Secretariat,” Shangpliang threatened.

He said that the farmers should also sell their goods at the wholesale market at ïewduh upto 2 pm, and should not vacate the place, as they have the rights to sell their goods there.

He also asked the farmers not to fear but remain strong in defending their own rights.

Shangpliang slammed the government over the decrease in prices of various agricultural produces and demanded the implementation of minimum support price (MSP), as well as the agricultural policy in order to support and protect the farmers.

Urging the farmers from various units to unite and fight together till the demands are fulfilled, Shangpliang informed the HFU would also affiliate with the Bharatiya Kisan Union to further strengthen the demands that the HFU had put before the government.

Shangpliang also stressed on the need to enroll more than one lakh farmers so that the government will not dare to play with the life of the farmers.

Asking the farmers to form units in various parts of the state, he also demanded from the state government to establish various markets so that the farmers can have easy access to markets such as Mawryngkneng, Umïam and other places apart from the market at San Mer to free farmers from all suppressions by the middle men.

The HFU also asked the State government to properly disseminate information to farmers about various schemes being implemented by the state and the Central governments for the benefits of the farmers.

“Farmers are the soldiers who protect our country and supply food to the people of our country, from officers to ministers and all citizens. But the government has earmarked little budget for the farmers,” he said.

Earlier, HFU general secretary, Alphonse Kharsyntiew highlighted the problems faced by the farmers especially the deduction of weight by buyers, while also informing about the resolution adopted at the meeting of the Union held on September 10.

He said that the HFU would follow up the various demands which were incorporated in a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma and Minister for Agriculture, Banteidor Lyngdoh

Demanding from the government to implement the crop insurance policy, Kharsyntiew said that the issue related to farmers’ loan would be discussed thoroughly before taking up the issue with the government.

He also informed that the HFU would also meet leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union to discuss the issue related to farmers’ loan especially to demand from the government to waive of the loan especially for farmers whose crops got damaged by natural calamity.

Kharsyntiew also said that the HFU has plans to publish its own magazine which will contain information related to farmers including schemes and benefits meant for the farmers.