NPP wants govt to address plight of farmers
Low broomstick price & coverage of CM Assure scheme, bud rot disease are concerns
Shillong,April 23: The National People’s Party’s (NPP) farmers’ front will urge the state government to enhance the rate of broomstick.
The front also wanted the government to help farmers by way of addressing the bud rot disease affecting the betel nut plantations.
Another request to the government is to create awareness among farmers on CM ASSURE scheme.
NPP spokesperson Himalaya M Shangpliang told reporters on Wednesday after a meeting that the rate of broomsticks has come down.
“According to farmers, the cost fixed by the government is low and therefore, in today’s meeting we have resolved to approach the government for reviewing the cost of broomstick and if possible, to enhance the amount. The price for grade I broomstick is fixed at Rs 55 per kg, grade-II at Rs 40 and grade-III at Rs 30. Also, we have resolved that the 800 per kg purchase ceiling fixed by the government for broomsticks should be enhanced beyond 1000 kg. Why? Because there are broomstick farmers, who are cultivating and even having more 2000-3000kgs with them. For them, if the government says the limit is only 800 kgs, the question is what do they do with the rest that is left behind. Therefore, we will approach the government and the department of Agriculture to review and reexamine if these things are possible,” he said.
Shangpliang stressed the need of creating awareness on CM Assure scheme for farmers.
“As on April 21, 5657 farmers have registered under the CM ASSURE scheme. Of this, only 4182 farmers have been approved meaning only this number of farmers has been released and the amount released as on April 21 has been Rs 5.82 crore. Therefore, NPP Farmers Front have resolved that members will go to the grassroot and meet the farmers and create an awareness to avail this particular scheme,” he said.
The front has also taken up the release of fertilisers to the farmers.
The NPP farmers’ front appointed district presidents in Khasi, Jaintia and Ri Bhoi districts.They will constitute the district and block committees within a month.
