A fifth of Indian farmers may not get seed, fertiliser supplies this kharif

Labour shortages, transportation issues impede the movement from manufacturer to distributor and retailer

A staggering 20 per cent of farmers in the country may not be able to get seed and agrochemical supplies this kharif season due to problems in transporting from the manufacturer to the distributor and retailer. This is because the inter- and intra-state movement of trucks has been severely disrupted by the ongoing nationwide lockdown.

Seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other agrochemicals are categoriesed as essential commodities and are exempted from any restrictions. However, the movement of trucks and other modes of transport still isn;t normal despite the fact that both, the Centre and states have allowed transportation of essential commodities during