Raphael Warjri

The NPP Farmers' Front on Wednesday sounded the alarm over the sharp slump in the prices of agricultural produce, including cabbage, kiwi and other cash crops, warning that the market downturn has pushed farmers across Meghalaya into severe financial distress.

Addressing a press briefing after a meeting of the Front, General Secretary Egenstar Kurkalang, accompanied by other office-bearers and members, said the unprecedented decline in farm-gate prices has dealt a serious blow to the rural economy, leaving hundreds of farming households struggling to recover production costs.

Kurkalang disclosed that the organisation has received a flood of complaints and representations from farmers across the state over the prevailing price crash. He said the meeting was convened in the wake of growing public concern and widespread discussions on social media to deliberate on the crisis and chalk out a roadmap for restoring market stability.

The Front urged the State Government to step in with immediate policy intervention by expanding market linkages, opening additional marketing channels and facilitating the export of agricultural produce to neighbouring states, so as to ensure remunerative and fair prices for farmers.

Calling for a collaborative approach, the organisation appealed to farmers, traders, stakeholders and the public to submit constructive suggestions to the government for framing sustainable measures aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector and enhancing farmers' livelihoods.

Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding farmers' interests, the NPP Farmers' Front asserted that it would continue to vigorously pursue the issues affecting the farming community with the competent authorities until concrete and long-term solutions are put in place to revive the state's agricultural economy.