Slew of Exemptions For Agriculture Amidst Lockdown

Ministry of Home affairs had released list of exempted activities as outlined by PM Modi in his address to the nation on 14 April. BW Businessworld lists out key exemptions and views of some stakeholders

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15 April, 2020

by Prabodh Krishna

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As per earlier declaration by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 14 April address to the nation, ministry of Home affairs has released the guidelines for exempted activities under agriculture. Keeping the harvesting and up coming season in mind agriculture and allied sectors are given top priority.

Some of the key exemptions given include exempting the Farming operations in farm field from the lockdown guidelines. Agencies involved in procurement operations of agriculture commodities including those involved in MSP operations have also been exempted. Then, all the Mandi that comes under Union government and state or Union Territories, also the cooperative and farmer producer organisation (FPO), have been granted exemption. States and UTs are also requested to promote decentralised procurement as well as much talked about direct procurement from farmers door, the guidelines issued by MHA on 15 April said.

The custom hiring centers will also be allowed to remain functional for smooth harvesting and sowing operations. Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail of fertilizer, pesticides and seeds that were already pushed by stakeholders of agrarian community are also exempted. Both Inter and Intra-state movement of harvesting and sowing related machine like harvester and such machinery required for operation in farm field have been exempted

Vijay Sardana, agriculture and regulatory policy expert has sought clarification. For example Sardana wants to know "if companies are allowed to buy directly from farmers and APMCs".

Pushpender Singh, president of Kisan Shakti Sangh demanded immediate increase in PM-KiSAN fund from Rs 6,000 annually to Rs 24, 000. Singh also questioned the government to restrict any type of agriculture and allied activities. Singh also wants doubling the PM rural housing scheme budget to engage and ensure rehabilitation of migrant labour, back to their hometowns.