Government Announces Additional Relief Measures for Agricultural Sector amid Lockdown

Amid the situation of nationwide lockdown, the government recently had announced relief to the agricultural sector. The Home Ministry had already given relaxation for the inter-state transportation of agricultural machinery, but those involved in farming activities couldn’t reap the benefits due to the non-commissioning of the associated enterprises. Consequently, now shops that sell agricultural machinery and their spare parts will also be free from lockdown and will operate during the lockdown. As Rabi crops are ready for ripening, timely harvesting of these crops is very important. Any kind of delay in harvesting can create difficulties for the livelihood of the farmers.

Keeping this in view, the government has permitted to open work-station along with petrol pumps located on the highways. While at tea gardens, 50 percent of the workers will resume the farming so that they do not lose their earnings during the lockdown. Meanwhile, following the general instructions of social distancing and cleanliness is of utmost importance and workers will be urged to take full care of these norms. 

For the convenience of poultry farm owners and fish farmers, the transportation of feed and other raw material has been allowed. Along with this, the units that produce cattle feed, poultry feed, and fish feed are already been exempted. But there are many difficulties with this. 

Commenting on the overall situation of lockdown and its impact on the agriculture sector, Amit Saravagi, Chairman of Anmol Feed, said, “Despite the orders of the central and state administration, there are many difficulties at the local level. There is a shortage of luggage trucks. The main reason for this is the ban on petrol pumps, garages, and dhabas on the highway. Pumps and garages were opened, but there would be severe food shortages on the way for truck drivers.”