Shillong, January 10: In a significant step to enhance the stability of agricultural incomes, the Cabinet has approved the CM-ASSURE scheme, a targeted market intervention initiative focused exclusively on non-perishable commodities.
This scheme aims to address the challenges of price volatility that small and marginal farmers in Meghalaya face, particularly during periods of market downturns.
The CM-ASSURE scheme is designed to provide distress relief by ensuring that farmers receive a fixed procurement price for their non-perishable agricultural produce when market prices fall significantly. This proactive measure is intended to prevent distress sales and stabilize farmers’ incomes.
The scheme specifically targets non-perishable commodities with longer post-harvest shelf lives, such as ginger, turmeric, and arecanut, allowing farmers to manage their produce without immediate pressure to sell.
The government will set a procurement price that covers cultivation costs and ensures a marginal profit for farmers, thereby safeguarding their financial interests during market fluctuations.
The CM-ASSURE scheme will be activated only during instances of price decline for thespecified non-perishable commodities. A state-level committee will assess market prices of various agri-commodities and determine when the scheme should be activated.
Local farmer collectives and community-based organizations will serve as aggregation hubs, with the Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) overseeing coordination and implementation.
Payments will be made directly to farmers through DBT, ensuring timely financial support. A dedicated fund of INR 100 Crore will be established to facilitate procurement and cover administrative expenses.
Last year, Broom grass and Arecanut crops have particularly been affected by decline in market prices. As these are two of the primary crops that contribute to the socio-economic development of many farmers in the state, the Government of Meghalaya recognizes the need for intervention to stabilize the market and ensure fair compensation to farmers.
Therefore, the CM-ASSURE Schemewill be implemented for these 2 crops this year. The scheme will potentially benefit over 20,000 farmers of the 2 crops. The details of procurement price, quantum to be procured and other scheme modalities will be notified by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare at a later date.
This initiative marks a strategic response by the Government of Meghalaya to create a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding market fluctuations. By focusing on non-perishable commodities, CM-ASSURE aims to enhance the financial security of small and marginal farmers across the state.
