Meghalaya Govt to establish wholesale markets for farmers

Newmai News Network
Shillong May 11: The Meghalaya government has decided to establish wholesale markets where vegetables and other agricultural produces will be sold within Shillong agglomeration and outside.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed on Monday that a decision has been taken that for vegetables coming from Ri Bhoi district, the government has arranged wholesale markets at the Regulated Market, MECOFED as well as Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawlai Mawïong.
A farmers' market at Mylliem will be also allowed to operate and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of East Khasi Hills district, Matsiewdor War Nongbri has been entrusted to notify the same.
Retail outlets are also being created for vegetable traders at SRGT Parking Lot Polo, Second Ground Polo and Golf Club Parking Lot so as to ensure minimal problems to the citizens in procuring vegetables.
Tynsong informed that Umdiengpun football ground at Sadew will be also utilised for the sale of fruits, fish, betel nut and betel leaf for people of Mawphlang, Sohïong, Mawkriah, Laitlyngkot, Nongkynrih and Pynursla area.
The ground floor, first floor and top floor of Mawlong Hat parking lot will be also used for the sale of betel nut, betel leaf and dry fish.
“The ground floor of Rapsang market and top floor of Anjalee parking lot will also be used for outlet facilities of agricultural produces,” Tynsong said while adding that the parking lot at Khlieh Ïewduh has also been identified as a wholesale market for fishes and eggs.
When asked about the import of vegetables from outside the State amidst the lockdown on account of Covid-19, Tynsong urged local vegetable traders not to encourage bringing vegetables from outside especially when inter-state movement has been sealed.
It may be noted here that many farmers have raised complains that they are unable to sell their agricultural produces due to the lockdown, whereas vegetables brought from outside the state are being sold in various markets.
“We have already said that inter-state movement has been sealed. If vegetables are still coming from outside, it is also the responsibility of all our local traders not to encourage bringing vegetables from outside especially now that we are in the season where production of vegetables has started," Tynsong said.