Allow movement of farm produce, Centre tells states

New Delhi, April 9

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, while appreciating states’ efforts for undertaking farm activities even during the challenging times of Covid, asked the latter to sensitise field agencies on exemptions given to agricultural operations. The states were also told to allow the movement of farm produce, fertilisers and machinery.

Connecting to the states via video-conferencing, the minister discussed issues related to harvesting, marketing and mandi operations, procurement at MSP, provision of inputs (seeds and fertilisers), logistics and movement of produce with Agriculture Ministers, APCs, secretaries and other senior officials.

The states also raised their points on harvesting procurement, availability of inputs, credit, insurance and inter-state movement of farm produce.

Some of which were solved at once, while others, which required deliberations, were noted and the states assured they would be looked into and necessary instructions would follow, officials said

The minister said the Kharif National Conference would be held on April 16 through video-conferencing to firm up field preparations for the ensuing kharif season. Tomar talked about measures taken by the ministry to facilitate the activities related to agriculture and allied sector.