Meghalaya Govt proposes to set up more regulated markets

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 13, 2020

The state government is proposing to set up more regulated markets for the benefit of the farmers in the state.

The proposal was approved in the form of amendment to the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1980 by the state Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma here on Wednesday.

After the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters that the decision was taken after the Government of India has requested all state governments to revisit the Act in its present form, to improve it and ensure farmers can get the maximum benefits.

“The intention of the government is to have more regulated markets as at present the state has only two regulated markets at Mawiong, East Khasi Hills and Garobada, West Garo Hills,” Tynsong said.

According to him, the cabinet will again sit to further fine tune the proposed amendment and accordingly take a final decision on the matter.

Later when asked, the Deputy CM said the setting up of more regulated markets will be a big blessing to the farming community of the state.

“The Centre will help the state to set up these regulated markets which will be equipped with cold storage facilities,” he said.

He further informed that the state is also proposing to include livestock in the amendment of the Act, which will be submitted to the Centre.

To another query, Tynsong said a marketing board will be in place to stabilize the price of agricultural produces and this will ensure that farmers are not exploited.

He said that the process of identifying the location for setting up of the regulated markets will be done by the local village dorbar authority.