Six-point memorandum calls for better market access, farm machinery, training and financial assistance
Shillong, August 17: The Dorbar Shnong Mynriang, in collaboration with local farmers, organised the village’s first Watermelon Festival on August 15 as part of the Independence Day celebrations, highlighting the potential of watermelon cultivation to strengthen rural livelihoods.
The festival was held at Mynriang in East Khasi Hills district, around 45 kilometres from Shillong, and aimed to showcase locally grown watermelons, encourage farmers and create opportunities to connect producers with larger markets.
Meghalaya Government Adviser H.M. Shangpliang, who attended the programme as chief guest representing Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, commended the Dorbar Shnong and farmers for organising the event.
Shangpliang said watermelon cultivation could significantly improve farmers’ livelihoods if production, quality, branding and market connectivity were strengthened. He urged farmers to maintain high standards, increase production and work collectively to ensure that watermelons from Mynriang gain wider recognition and reach markets within and outside Meghalaya.
During the programme, Mynriang Dorbar Shnong secretary Jylliew Lyngkhoi submitted a six-point memorandum to Shangpliang outlining the challenges faced by farmers and the support required to expand agricultural activities in the area.
The memorandum sought essential agricultural infrastructure, modern farming machinery, technical training, financial assistance, improved market facilities and stronger government support for marketing agricultural produce.
Lyngkhoi said Mynriang has considerable potential for watermelon cultivation and other agricultural activities, but farmers continue to face difficulties related to production, equipment, technical knowledge and access to markets.
The Dorbar Shnong also stressed the need to help farmers sell their produce directly to a larger number of buyers, reducing their dependence on middlemen and improving returns from cultivation.
Lyngkhoi expressed hope that the government would consider the demands and take steps to develop Mynriang into a major fruit-producing area. He said greater support could also encourage more young people to view farming as a sustainable livelihood.
The festival provided farmers with an opportunity to display their produce while promoting agriculture among the wider community.
The Dorbar Shnong expressed hope that the Watermelon Festival would become an annual event and eventually grow into one of Meghalaya’s prominent agricultural celebrations.
Also present at the programme were Egenstar Kurkalang, general secretary of the NPP Farmers’ Front; Dundee Khongsit, president of the FKJGP; Barister Mawthoh, MFTV & GA member; and several community leaders.
