Agricultural sector will not face problems due to lockdown, says minister

Shops of agricultural machinery, spare parts and repairs, and shops for truck repairs on highways can remain open, said the govt. this is able to help the farmers, claim Narendra Singh Tomar.

Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Saturday said that farmers won't face problems during the lockdown with relaxation given to them by the govt.

"Government has given relaxations, farmers won't need to face problems during a lockdown. Shops of agriculture machinery and equipment and garage for trucks will remain open at highways," he said during a tweet on Saturday.

An official release said that the Union Government has granted a slew of exemptions and relaxations for agriculture and allied sectors with reference to the 21-day lockdown to make sure that the farmers don't suffer from any adverse fallout.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the 4th Addendum to its notification invoking the Disaster Management Act.

As per the Addendum, shops of agricultural machinery, its spare parts (including its supply chain) and repairs and shops for truck repairs on highways, preferably at fuel pumps, can remain open so as to facilitate transportation of farm produce. Besides, the tea industry, including plantations can function with a maximum of fifty percent of workers.

The Home Ministry has underlined that the top of the organization will make sure the social distancing norms and proper hygiene. The district authorities are directed to make sure strict enforcement of the orders. The nationwide lockdown has been announced to contain coronavirus.