Shillong, May 28: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief, Titosstarwell Chyne on Friday urged the state government to allow farmers to sell their produce at the Mawiong Regulated Market twice a week.

In a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday, Chyne said the setting up of designated wholesale markets for the farmers is also a welcome step.

The Sohra MDC also pointed out that it is a known fact that over and above conventional farming, the people are also engaged in growing Tezpatta and Broomsticks which have been classified as agricultural produce and agro-forest produce respectively by the Government of Meghalaya.

Stating that harvesting of these products has been done in the months from March to April, he said it is unfortunate that there is no designated market for the growers to sell their produce.

He added this has been compounded by the lack of storage facilities in the villages as the products are susceptible to spoilage with the onset of the monsoon season which may cause a huge loss to the growers.

“I, therefore, urge upon your esteemed office to kindly allow the growers to sell their produce at the Mawiong Regulated Market at least twice a week so as to prevent any further loss during this pandemic,” Chyne wrote.

Meanwhile, the KHADC chief executive member also lauded the measures taken by the state government to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

“The add-on packages for the treatment of COVID-19 and ex-gratia provided to the next of kin of COVID deceased announced recently is a noble gesture on the part of the Government,” he added.