Lockdown 2.0: Agricultural activities continue in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab

Amid a nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus disease, farmers in the breadbasket state of Punjab and the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh began harvesting their Rabi crop and preparing their farmland for the Kharif crops as the Centre eased restrictions on agricultural activities.

New Delhi: With the harvesting season underway, agricultural activities are going full throttle in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh even as the Centre extended the duration of the nationwide lockdown. Bearing in mind the risk of contracting coronavirus while engaging in such activities, the farmers are taking all necessary precautions in their day-to-day agricultural operations.

In the hill state of Himachal Pradesh Shimla-based farmers have already started tilling land for the next crop. A farmer in Sangrur, Punjab while harvesting crop, said that he is thankful to the Government of India for relaxations enabling them to carry out their work at this crucial time of agricultural season.

Wheat procurement began in Punjab on April 15, 2020 and as per government records 36,077 Metric tonnes of wheat was procured in two days.

Government of India announced a 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package in March including comprehensive package covering healthcare workers, women Jan Dhan beneficiaries, farmers under PM-KISAN etc. It also provides free foodgrains to the underprivileged citizens under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana.

As per Govt of India records more than 32 crore poor people have received financial assistance of Rs 29,352 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package. On April 14 Prime Minister announced the extension of lockdown till 3rd May continuing India’s efforts in fighting COVID-19.