Shillong: During the ongoing session of the Meghalaya State Assembly, issues concerning market manipulation and the plight of broom stick farmers took center stage, with TMC Parliamentary Party leader Mukul Sangma and UDP MLA Lahkmen Rymbui raising pertinent concerns.
Rymbui highlighted the significant decline in income for broom stick farmers, noting that the revenue generated from broom cultivation had plummeted from Rs 914 crore in 2021 to Rs 450 crore currently.
He emphasised the need for the government to explore the possibility of implementing a minimum support price for broom production to alleviate the financial burden faced by farmers.
Echoing Rymbui’s sentiments, Sangma drew attention to the issue of market manipulation, which adversely affects farmers’ earnings. He cited disparities in the prices of essential commodities like chicken, with costs significantly higher within the state compared to neighboring towns in Assam.
Additionally, Rymbui proposed the establishment of processing centers in Amlarem and Mawsynram to enhance the value of broom production, while also urging the government to address the issue of tax collection on broom by district councils.
On the topic of infrastructure development, Rymbui emphasised the importance of waste management in the proposed New Shillong township to avoid the challenges faced by the existing Shillong. He advocated for decentralising development efforts to alleviate congestion in Shillong, suggesting the development of townships in Mylliem, Mawphlang, Laitkor, and Soryngkham.
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Rymbui further recommended upgrading the Sohryngkham to Lad Nongkrem road to a double lane to facilitate smoother connectivity to the new Shillong township.
However, Rymbui’s discussion on unemployment was cut short due to time constraints imposed by the Assembly Speaker.
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