Shillong, July 29: The Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU), a registered body representing farmers across Meghalaya’s hill regions, called for a new agricultural policy, greater subsidies, extension of the broom collection season (earlier promised by the Chief Minister), and farmer representation in policymaking bodies.

In a rare and candid exchange, Meghalaya Agriculture Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh met a delegation from the state on Tuesday at the Secretariat to discuss a ten-point memorandum outlining the pressing concerns of the state’s farming community. The meeting, which lasted over two hours, was described by the Minister as “a serious and heartfelt exchange.”

The HFU, asubmitted a detailed charter of demands signed by General Secretary Allfonbirth Kharsyntiew. Their demands included compensation for calamity-hit farmers, regulation of market prices, fertiliser training, faster disbursal of pending dues, and a progressive agricultural policy.

They further proposed district-level data centres for crop production to improve market access and policy planning.

After the formal meeting, Dr. Lyngdoh personally walked to the State Central Library to meet additional HFU members who were unable to enter the Secretariat due to prohibitory orders under Section 144.

“As a minister, I cannot encourage anyone to violate the law. But I also couldn’t ignore the fact that many farmers had come from far. So I went to meet them where they were waiting,” she told reporters.

Addressing the media, Dr. Lyngdoh acknowledged the farmers’ concerns while outlining administrative and legal challenges. “Government cannot ignore the cries of the public. There’s a system that needs to be improved. Farmers are asking why they’re paid so little for tomatoes, and why support isn’t reaching on time. I’ve told them: some things we can do immediately, others require coordination between multiple agencies.”

She clarified that a Market Intervention Scheme currently covers only potato and apple under central provisions, and expanding it to other crops would need national-level reforms. On the emotional demand for compensation for the family of a farmer killed in Lapangap during a border dispute, she stressed it was an inter-state matter pending police investigation.

One of the most urgent issues raised was the arbitrary deduction in market prices, known locally as “Ot Killo,” even in government-run markets like Mawiong. Dr. Lyngdoh admitted this fell under the District Council’s jurisdiction. “I cannot overstep my jurisdiction,” she said, urging institutions—District Councils, municipal boards, and district administrations—to “work collectively” with the state government.

While not all demands can be immediately met, the meeting marked one of the most substantial farmer-government dialogues in recent years. Many farmers expressed cautious optimism after being heard.

“We’re not looking for sympathy,” said one farmer waiting outside the Library. “We’re asking for systems that don’t fail us.

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