UDP Calls for Immediate Implementation of Agricultural Marketing Act in Meghalaya

Shillong, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: United Democratic Party general secretary, Titosstarwell Chyne, has called on the state government of Meghalaya to immediately operationalize the Meghalaya State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020. This legislation was designed to address significant issues within the agricultural sector, particularly in light of recent market failures that have left farmers struggling with dramatically reduced prices for their produce, notably cabbage.

The agricultural landscape in Meghalaya, which is characterized by smallholder farming, has faced numerous challenges over the years. Farmers have reported severe price drops, forcing them to either sell their harvest at significantly reduced rates, give it away for free, or even discard it entirely. Chyne expressed his deep concern for these farmers during a recent press conference, emphasizing that the situation is dire and requires urgent government intervention. He stated, "We have all seen reports and videos on social media showing farmers throwing away cabbage, radish, and other vegetables because they are unable to get a fair price. This is not merely a market fluctuation but a serious crisis that requires immediate government intervention.”

The UDP leader pointed out that despite the enactment of the Meghalaya State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act in 2020, the law has not been effectively implemented. He criticized the government for allowing the legislation to remain inactive, arguing that laws should not be merely symbolic but should serve the interests of the people. "We do not enact laws merely to keep them locked away in government offices. Every law passed by the Assembly must be implemented for the benefit of the people," said Chyne, who also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

Chyne highlighted that the Act was specifically designed to protect the interests of farmers and livestock rearers by establishing an organized agricultural marketing system. This system is intended to ensure fair pricing and to shield cultivators from exploitation. A crucial component of the Act is Chapter IV, which provides for the establishment of Market Committees. These committees are to consist of representatives from the farming community and other stakeholders, tasked with regulating agricultural markets, overseeing marketing practices, and ensuring transparency in the pricing of agricultural produce.

Moreover, the Act grants the government the authority to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism for agricultural commodities. This mechanism is intended to allow governmental intervention in cases where market prices plummet, thereby preventing distress sales among farmers. Chyne asserted, "The government already has the legal authority to fix prices for agricultural produce. What is required now is the political will to constitute the Market Committees and make the law functional so that farmers receive fair remuneration for their hard work."

Chyne's call to action includes the establishment of Market Committees in every district and major agricultural market across Meghalaya. These committees would be responsible for overseeing price regulation, enhancing market management, and protecting farmers from unfair trading practices. He also urged the KHADC to leverage its powers under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Establishment, Management and Control of Markets) Regulation, 1979, as amended in 2021, which empowers the Council to create Market Committees for markets within its jurisdiction. This could significantly help in curbing malpractices such as under-weighing of agricultural produce and arbitrary price manipulation by traders.

Chyne emphasized the need for close cooperation between the KHADC and the state government, stating, "The markets are under the jurisdiction of the KHADC through the Himas and Elakas, while the state government has the responsibility of implementing the 2020 Act. Therefore, both institutions must work in close coordination to protect the interests of our farmers." His remarks highlight the interconnectedness of local governance and agricultural policy in Meghalaya, where a collaborative approach is essential for effective implementation of laws designed to benefit farmers.

In questioning whether the state government has constituted the Market Committees as envisioned under the Act, Chyne urged authorities to act swiftly to operationalize these statutory bodies. He argued that without institutional support for farmers, the ongoing issues of market instability and price collapse would continue to plague the agricultural sector. He stated, "The recurring collapse in vegetable prices has exposed the absence of an effective marketing and price support system. Unless the provisions of the 2020 Act are fully implemented, farmers would continue to suffer heavy losses and uncertainty every harvesting season."

Chyne's concerns reflect a broader issue within Meghalaya's agricultural economy, which is heavily reliant on small-scale farmers. The farming community forms the backbone of the rural economy in the state, contributing significantly to local livelihoods and food security. Given the current economic challenges, it is imperative for both the state government and the KHADC to take decisive action to protect farmers from exploitation and ensure that they receive fair prices for their produce.

Implementing the provisions of the Meghalaya State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, could serve as a critical step towards stabilizing the agricultural market. By establishing Market Committees and enforcing the MSP mechanism, the government would not only support farmers in achieving fair remuneration but also foster a more transparent and equitable market environment. This would ultimately contribute to the sustainability of agriculture in Meghalaya and enhance the resilience of its farming communities against future market fluctuations.

In conclusion, the urgent call for the implementation of the Agricultural Marketing Act by Titosstarwell Chyne underscores the pressing need for effective agricultural policies in Meghalaya. The state government must prioritize the activation of this legislation to alleviate the ongoing crisis faced by farmers, ensuring that they are not left to bear the brunt of market failures alone. The collaboration between various government bodies, local councils, and the farming community will be crucial in crafting a robust agricultural framework that can withstand the challenges of the future.