Rising food prices prompt Meghalaya to strengthen monitoring measures

The Meghalaya government has intensified its efforts to monitor essential commodity prices following a surge in the cost of food grains, pulses, and vegetables, impacting daily life for residents.

In a recent notification, the government attributed the rising prices to increased transportation costs due to the state’s hilly terrain, as well as its reliance on imports. Market fluctuations and irregular monsoon patterns, leading to both droughts and floods, have further strained local crop yields and contributed to price instability.

To counter these challenges, the state has bolstered its Price Monitoring System, which collects and disseminates wholesale and retail prices for 22 essential commodities across 10 centres, including Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. These efforts are aimed at aligning local prices with national rates and safeguarding consumer interests.