Saving the rabi crop

The lockdown can severely affect harvesting and sale

The government has taken the right step to free agriculture-related operations from the Covid-19 pandemic-driven national lockdown. At the same time, the state governments have asked farmers and other stakeholders to observe social distancing and other needed precautions against the menace. This is a critical period in the farm calendar when the rabi crops are ready for reaping. The government’s move is aimed at facilitating a smooth harvesting, marketing, and storage of these crops. Many of them, including wheat, are expected to set new production records, regardless of localised damage due to untimely rain and hail-storms. Any lapse in their