Lockdown: Labour shortages, logitics issue impact rabi crops harvesting

Industry body CII on Monday said that harvesting of rabi (winter) crops has been impacted due to labour shortages and logistics issues and suggested the government to leverage Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for imparting training to farmers about health and hygiene.

"The agri and food supply chains are vulnerable to massive disruptions which can further impact availability and prices, hence proactive measures for safety and health of farmers and workers are required at both the farm as well as mandi level," said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.

While the country is under a lockdown, it is essential that harvesting and post-harvest activities remain functional so that farmers do not suffer and crops are not lost, he added.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said it has developed a comprehensive guidance document on safety measures during post-harvest and mandis operations towards ensuring smooth supply of farm produce days ahead of the rabi harvest.

The CII has recommended that KVKs should be leveraged for effective implementation of the guidelines.

"Clear and prominent instructions should be posted in local languages on masks, hand-washing, social distancing and hygiene. The KVKs and other competent authorities can take the lead in providing training, checking health status and disseminating masks," the statement said.

The association said the current crisis has impacted