THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR OF INDIA

As the world comes to a standstill and public life shuts down across the globe, all have their eyes on the healthcare systems which are buckled under the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

- PROF. K.P. SINGH

With the lockdown anticipated to extend for some more time, there are now concerns rising over food supply and people are now scared. The potential negative impacts of Corona on agricultural production, market stability, food supply may now be seen from the surface but it is still difficult to predict quantify the exact damage accurately. However, viewing the current scenario and based on the floating news, here is an overview of the impact on agricultural production and economy.

As Rabi crop harvest season coincides with the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, the ready to be harvested crops unabatedly stands in the fields, on account of the dearth of agricultural laborers. Already reeling under an unprecedented confluence of pressure, the agrarian economy is now struggling to keep its head above water. However, timely intervention by the center and state govt. has brought a big respite to the farmers of India.

The Center and State Governments are now working in harmony to redress the grievances of farmers by introducing a hantle of measures every day such as subsidies, including crop insurance to farmers, free flow of agricultural credit, unemployment allowance to rural landless/migrant workers under MANREGA, etc. The govt. is using every arrow in its quiver to ensure the health of farmers by continuously sensitizing the farmers about working in fields with covered faces while maintaining social distancing.