Shillong, Apr 26 : Meghalaya's famed oranges and the
juicy strawberries of the hills will soon find its way to
neighbouring Bangladesh through a local newly revived
traditional 'border haat' at Balat, officials said today.
"The inclusion of these agricultural items was made
possible after officials of both the countries agreed that
apart from the five kilometer radius, produce of the concerned
district of designated haats will be allowed to be traded
through the border haat," D M Wahlang, Chairman Balat Haat
Management Committee (HMC) told PTI.
The recently notified order from the Commissioner of
Customs (Preventive), NER said, "locally produced garments,
melamine products, processed food items, fruit juice etc.,
produced in the concerned districts of the designated haats
will be allowed to be traded at the haats."
According to the HMC official, since strawberry and
oranges are produced in East Khasi Hills district (the
concerned district in which Balat falls), these produce could
get their way to Bangladesh through the border haat.
At present, Meghalaya is sixth producer of strawberries
and is generally grown in Ri-Bhoi district and is a leading
producer of the Khasi mandarin type of oranges.
The new haat through Balat will significantly reduce
distance, travel time of the perishable commodity and
transportation cost for the farmers, officials of the HMC
said.