Agriculture Minister inaugurates first Lay-by market in Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 22, 2020

Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh on Tuesday inaugurated Ialong Lay-by Market located on the National Highway 44 at Ialong village in the presence of local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla.

This is the first Lay-by market in Jaintia Hills and the Third in the State.

The Minister lauded the efforts taken by the department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, Directorate of Horticulture and the DRDA for the construction of the lay- by market which will serve the purpose and benefit the public and the farmers. He said the establishment of Lay- by markets will help farmers improve their livelihood. The Minister invited the farmers to visit the officers for any assistance. He also thanked the residents of Ialong village for donating the land for the construction of the Lay- by Market.

Chairman Meghalaya Farmers (Empowerment) Commission, KN Kumar, IAS (Retired) in his introductory speech highlighted the benefit of having a Lay- by market especially along the National Highway which will bring benefit to the farmers of the area as well as to travellers. He mentioned that the market was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 71, 43,000.00 sanctioned under Special Central Assistance of 2014 – 2015, the plot area of the market is 3839. 67 Sq.mt with 20 stalls constructed.  The chairman has requested the community to allot on a rotational basis the stalls so that each and every farmer gets a chance to sell their product.

Local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, Headman Ialong Village B Shylla also spoke on the occasion.

Others present Additional Deputy Commissioner PK Boro, S Nongbet, Director of Horticulture, Meghalaya, RK Blah, District Horticulture Officer, West Jaintia Hills, Officers and Staffs and Farmers.