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From Fields to Free Distribution: Shillong Farmers Highlight Crisis of Falling Vegetable Prices
Shillong : In a unique expression of anger and disappointment over collapsing farm prices, cabbage growers from Meghalaya distributed their harvest free of cost in Shillong, saying that sharing their produce with people was better than selling it for a price that failed to match their hard work.
The farmers said they were receiving only around ₹2 per kilogram for cabbage, a rate they described as extremely discouraging after spending months cultivating the crop. Faced with poor returns and rising farming expenses, the growers decided to give away their produce instead of accepting what they felt was an unfair market price.
Carrying their freshly harvested cabbages, the farmers reached Shillong and offered the vegetables to the public, turning their frustration into a peaceful protest. The gesture quickly attracted attention as people gathered to collect the free produce and hear the farmers’ concerns.
Farmers said that behind every vegetable reaching the market lies months of labour, investment, and uncertainty. They highlighted challenges such as increasing input costs, transportation expenses, and fluctuating market prices that often leave growers struggling to recover even their basic expenses.
The cabbage giveaway has once again brought the issue of agricultural pricing into focus, raising questions about whether farmers are receiving fair compensation for their hard work. Growers have called for stronger market support, better price protection, and measures to ensure that agricultural production remains sustainable.
The farmers’ message was clear — when their crops lose value in the market, their struggle is not just about money, but also about respect for the effort behind every harvest.
