New Delhi: In a bid to avoid disruptions to the food supply chain during the 21 day lockdown period in India to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, the centre on Friday added krishi mandis or crop wholesale markets to the existing list of exemptions.
It also allowed all agencies procuring crops from farmers to function, including government ones purchasing grains at minimum support prices.
The order issued by the home ministry on 27 March allowed all agricultural operations by farmers themselves or by using hired labour.
In addition, the centre also said that farm machinery like combine harvesters will be allowed to ply within and between states, and units manufacturing and packaging fertilisers, pesticides and seeds will function during the