Shillong, May 12: Agricultural Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh on Friday conducted an inspection of Ïewdielang, Ïewduh and interacted with traders, farmers and shopkeepers in the market.

MLA of Nongkrem Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, MLA of North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum and the Syiem of Hima Mylliem Ainam Manik Syiem also accompanied the minister in her inspection.

The inspection was a follow up with regard to the order of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to bar all forms of deductions on farm produces.

During the inspection, the minister and the MLAs interacted with farmers and traders to get first-hand knowledge about the practice of deduction on farms produces in the market.

Speaking after the inspection, Lyngdoh said, “We must at once do away with all forms of deduction on farm produces as it has affected our farmers who comes to sell their products in this market or any other markets.”

Lyngdoh informed that she is aware of the Bill of the KHADC and the order of the office of Hima Mylliem, and the department supports this Bill as it will ease the burden on all farmers in the state.

“I am thankful to Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit who had raised this issue in the assembly session and I want to assure everyone that the department will look into all issues faces by our farmers,” said Lyngdoh.

Lyngdoh said that deduction on farm produces has always been a burden to the farmers of the state hence it is high time to work together and corporate with all stakeholders to instantly do away with all forms of deduction on all farm produces.

The minister also announced that a committee will be formed under relevant sections of the law to ensure that both sides – traders and farmers – do not suffer because of over or under-pricing of agricultural produce.