Northeast Desk, 25th September: The Meghalaya government has ramped up efforts to monitor the prices of essential commodities in response to rising costs of food grains, pulses, and vegetables, which have put pressure on the state’s citizens.
A government notification highlights that the state’s hilly terrain significantly increases transportation costs, which are passed on to consumers. Additionally, Meghalaya’s reliance on imports from other regions has exacerbated price fluctuations, particularly in light of market instability.
The state has faced challenges from irregular monsoon patterns, leading to both droughts and floods that have impacted crop yields. The notification notes that floods caused by heavy rainfall have damaged crops and pulses, leading to reduced supplies and further driving up prices.
To combat these issues, the government has implemented the *Price Monitoring System, which collects and tracks the wholesale and retail prices of 22 essential commodities across all districts. Ten centres, including Shillong, Tura, Jowai, and others, have been integrated into the national *Price Monitoring System application, ensuring that local prices align with national standards.
These centres aim to stabilize prices and protect consumers from undue price surges, ensuring essential goods remain affordable despite the state’s logistical and environmental challenges.
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