The Union government on Friday asked states and union territories to assure easy harvesting and sowing functions, expressing agricultural activities have been exempted from the 21-day lockdown enforced to battle coronavirus.
In a interaction to all States and UTs, Union Property Secretary Ajay Bhalla, mentioned the farming functions by farmers, farmworkers and procurement of agricultural productions are exempted from the nationwide lockdown.
Bhalla mentioned the Property Ministry had allowed agricultural functions, preserving in view the harvesting and sowing season.
He mentioned however exceptions have been allowed for farming functions by farmers and farmworkers, procurement of agricultural productions, procedure of mandis, motion of harvesting and sowing connected machinery and some others.., and many others. Having said that, as per details obtained, these exceptions have not percolated down at the subject amount.
“With a view to making sure easy harvesting and sowing functions, while sustaining social distancing, it is requested that the exceptions allowed for agriculture sector must be communicated to all subject companies,” he mentioned.
Key Minister Narendra Modi declared the lockdown on March 24 in a bid to battle the coronavirus pandemic.