NEW DELHI, 15 APRIL 2020: With a view to restart the agricultural activities in the country, the Indian home ministry has released its additional revised guidelines that will come into force from 20 April 2020.

These guidelines will be implemented by the District Administrations based on strict compliance to the existing guidelines on lockdown measures. Before operating these relaxations, States/ UTs/ District Administrations shall ensure that all preparatory arrangements with regard to social distancing in offices, workplaces, factories and establishments, and other sectoral requirements are in place, the home ministry statement said.

Though the guidelines are out for various sectors, AgriTimes is only focusing on agriculture and allied activities.

Agriculture and related activities allowed by the government after 20 April 2020

1] Farming operations by farmers and farm workers in field.

2] Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations.

3] Mandis operated by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) or as notified by the state/union territories government (e.g satellite mandis). Direct marketing operations by the state/UT government or by industry, directly from farmers/group of farmers, farmers producing organizations (FPOs) co-operatives etc. States/UTs may promote decentralized marketing and procurement at village level.

4] Shop of agriculture machinery, its spare parts (including its supply chain) and repairs to remain open.

5] Custom Hiring Centres (CHC) related to farm machinery.

6] Manufacturing, distribution and retail of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds.

7] Movement (inter and intra state) of harvesting and sowing related machines like combine harvester and other agriculture/horticulture implements.

 Fisheries - the following activities will be functional

1] Operations of the fishing (marine and inland)/aquaculture industry, including feeding & maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing.

2] Hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria,

3] Movement of fish/shrimp and fish products, fish feed/feed and workers for all these activities.

Plantations - the following activities will be functional

1] Operations of tea, coffee and rubber plantations, with a maximum of 50% workers.

2] Processing, packaging, sale and marketing of tea, coffee, rubber and cashew with maximum of 50% workers.

Animal husbandry - the following activities will be functional

1] Collection, processing, distribution and sale of milk and milk products by milk processing plants, including transport and supply chain,

2] Operation of animal husbandry farms including poultry farms & hatcheries and livestock farming activity.

3] Animal feed manufacturing and feed plants, including supply of raw material, such as maize and soya.

4] Operation of animal shelter homes, including Gaushalas.

Click here to read the consolidated guidelines released by the home ministry on 15 April 2020 and communications released to states and union territories.

Image credit: PTI