Stimulus good for sustenance, but supply chains need more for resilience

PDS and agriculture markets need reforms to develop superior food quality systems, writes Ajay Kakra.

The government today announced the second set of stimulus measures targeted at the migrant workers, small farmers and the impoverished, as part of its nine major packages. The aim is to create an impact going well beyond the immediate Covid-19 situation and creating long-term resilience for the small and marginal farming community. 

India is currently about to enter the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown and no sector has been able to withstand its devastating impact. About 85% of Indian farmers are small or marginal, who already grapple with many issues in practicing agriculture like access to quality inputs and knowledge,