Former Minister Urges Farmers to Utilize MDA Schemes Amid Price Crisis

Shillong, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Former Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed concern over cabbage farmers being forced to give away produce due to poor market returns, calling it “very unfortunate.” The plight of farmers, particularly those dealing in perishable goods like cabbage, highlights the broader issue of agricultural sustainability and economic viability in the region. Farmers often find themselves caught in a cycle of low prices and high production costs, leading to significant financial strain. This situation is not unique to but resonates across many parts of India, where the agricultural sector faces similar challenges.

The agricultural landscape in India is characterized by its diversity, with various crops being cultivated across different climatic zones. However, the common thread among many farmers is the struggle to achieve a balance between production and profitability. In , the cultivation of cabbage and other vegetables is a vital part of the local economy, providing livelihoods for many families. Yet, the economic pressures faced by these farmers are exacerbated by factors such as climate change, which affects crop yields, and market access, which can be limited by poor infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said multiple factors could be behind the crisis and that several authorities share the responsibility of safeguarding farmers’ welfare. The agricultural sector in , like many other regions in India, is influenced by a myriad of challenges including climate change, market access, and infrastructural inadequacies. The former minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of these factors to formulate effective solutions. For instance, erratic weather patterns can lead to crop failures, while inadequate road networks can hinder farmers from reaching markets in a timely manner, ultimately affecting their sales and income.

Lyngdoh noted that marketing perishable items remains one of the toughest challenges, as fluctuating prices often fail to cover production costs. “The one item that is very difficult… is perishable items,” she said, adding that such commodities require a different policy approach. This statement underscores the importance of a tailored strategy for perishable goods, which are particularly vulnerable to market volatility. Farmers often have no choice but to sell their produce at a loss or, worse, let their crops rot due to a lack of buyers or inadequate storage facilities. The lack of cold storage facilities in many regions of India further compounds this issue, leading to significant post-harvest losses that could otherwise be mitigated.

In light of these challenges, Lyngdoh appealed to farmers, urging them to avail themselves of welfare schemes introduced by the MDA government. “There has been no government in the past that has come forward with these kinds of buffers and schemes for farmers,” she stated. The MDA ( Democratic Alliance) government has initiated various programs aimed at providing financial assistance and support to farmers, which are crucial for enhancing their livelihoods and ensuring food security. These schemes are designed to cushion farmers against market fluctuations and provide them with the necessary resources to sustain their agricultural practices. The government’s focus on implementing welfare schemes reflects an acknowledgment of the critical role that agriculture plays in the state’s economy and the need to support farmers in distress.

Expressing confidence in the leadership, Lyngdoh stated that Agriculture Minister and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma would address the issue. The involvement of high-ranking officials in the agricultural sector is vital, as their decisions can have far-reaching implications for farmers’ welfare. By prioritizing agricultural policies that support local farmers, the government can help mitigate the adverse effects of market fluctuations and improve the overall economic landscape of the agricultural sector. This approach not only benefits farmers but also contributes to the broader economic stability of the region, as agriculture remains a significant contributor to the state's GDP.

Lyngdoh also called on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to look into problems at market gates, which she said were “again becoming major concerns.” The functioning of market gates is crucial for ensuring that farmers can sell their produce efficiently and at fair prices. Delays or bureaucratic hurdles at these points can exacerbate the already precarious situation faced by farmers, leading to further financial losses. The importance of efficient market access cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts farmers' ability to earn a living and sustain their operations.

On the relocation of street vendors, the East Shillong MLA mentioned that the government is taking the issue seriously, but delays are due to legal procedures following the Khyndailad evictions. The relocation of street vendors is a sensitive issue that involves balancing the rights of vendors to earn a livelihood with the need for orderly urban planning. The government’s approach aims to ensure that street vendors are provided with designated vending zones where they can operate without disrupting traffic or public spaces. This careful consideration reflects an understanding of the complexities involved in urban governance, where the needs of various stakeholders must be weighed against each other.

“We have taken so long because… there are laws that have become active and are governing,” she said. A platform has been provided to stakeholders, and hawkers have been notified to move to designated vending zones. This proactive approach reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of street vendors while also adhering to legal frameworks that govern urban development. The efforts to relocate street vendors are part of a larger strategy to manage urban growth and ensure that public spaces remain accessible and functional for all residents.

She emphasized that the government has complied with laws protecting hawkers’ rights and does not intend to “snatch away” livelihoods, but stressed that public rights must also be respected. “Even the people of Laitumkhrah have rights in the constitution,” she added. This statement highlights the ongoing tension between individual economic rights and the collective rights of the community, which is a common challenge in urban governance. Finding a resolution that satisfies both vendors and residents is crucial for maintaining social harmony and ensuring that the urban environment is conducive to all.

The remarks come amid ongoing efforts to decongest commercial areas in Shillong and relocate vendors to designated zones. The urban landscape of Shillong, like many cities, has been shaped by rapid growth and changing demographics, leading to increased congestion and competition for space. The government’s initiatives to manage this growth through structured vendor zones aim to create a more organized and efficient urban environment, which benefits both vendors and the general public. These efforts are indicative of a broader trend in urban management where cities seek to balance economic activity with livability and accessibility.

In conclusion, the concerns raised by former Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh reflect the complex interplay of agricultural economics, urban planning, and social justice. The plight of cabbage farmers and the challenges faced by street vendors are emblematic of larger systemic issues that require coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including government authorities, agricultural experts, and community organizations. As the MDA government continues to implement welfare schemes and address urban challenges, the success of these initiatives will largely depend on their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of farmers and urban dwellers alike. The ongoing dialogue between government officials and community members will be crucial in crafting policies that not only support economic growth but also ensure the welfare and rights of all citizens. Moreover, as the situation evolves, it will be essential to monitor the effectiveness of implemented policies and make necessary adjustments to address emerging challenges in both agriculture and urban governance.