After relaxations were announced for the agriculture sector, the State Government has directed the district authorities to take proactive steps in assisting farmers for the ongoing Rabi season and start making preparations for Kharif crops.
The Government has already appointed 30 senior officers to monitor agriculture and related activities in all the districts in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
These nodal officers have been asked to remain in constant touch with the area-level officers to ensure that problems arising in the agriculture sector are addressed promptly. Emphasis has been put on strengthening the monitoring mechanism to ensure smooth farming operations.
A roadmap has already been prepared to ensure smooth and uninterrupted farm activities. Agriculture Minister Arun Sahoo has directed that problems being faced by farmers should be addressed at the earliest.
The nodal officers would work in coordination with the Chief District Agriculture Officers, Deputy Directors of Horticulture and Project Directors of Water Division. The officers have been asked to submit reports on a daily basis through WhatsApp.
The officers have also been asked to directly coordinate with traders, wholesalers and shopkeepers to ensure sale of fruits and vegetables at markets.
The Government has stressed on extensive use of technology and WhatsApp groups for reporting purposes in the wake of the pandemic, a senior official said.
Agriculture Secretary Saurabh Garg said the officials concerned should keep a tab on the market situation across the country and take appropriate steps for the sale of agricultural produce of the State.
The farmers should make ample use of Ama Krushi helpline in the existing situation, he said, adding that necessary steps are being taken to provide information on farming and market situations through this service.
The farmers may also get themselves enrolled in “Ama Krushi” service by giving a missed call on 0674-6667171. They can also get responses to their queries by recording their questions on this number.
Stating that there is no restriction on the sale of farm produce and transportation, Garg said his department should work in a dedicated manner to help the farmers.
While the harvesting of crops, transportation of harvested produce, transportation of farm inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and pesticides have been allowed, the outlets for the sale of agricultural inputs have been permitted to remain open for a specific period of the day by maintaining social distancing, said Garg, adding that the warehousing facilities for the inputs have also been exempted from restrictions.
To facilitate the use of farm machinery the custom hiring centres have been permitted to remain open.
The Government has taken steps for procurement of rabi produce such as green gram, black gram, groundnut, sunflower for which procurement centres have been opened. The farmers have been advised to enrol their names in e-Samrudhi portal of the NAFED.
Farmers should avail the crop loan facilities for undertaking Kharif cultivation, Garg said.