Kendujhar: The Covid-19 outbreak has hit hard on the farmers in Agriculture sector following the national level lock down. In Kendujhar district the farmers find it difficult to save their crops with no transport facilities, no labourers. The fertilizers and pesticide stores are closed and agriculture unavailable at this crisis in rural areas. In kendujhar Sadar Block, Jhumpura Block, Ghatgaon block it was seen that farmers initially began distress selling of their vegetables and crops in the first two three days of the lock down fearing marketing crisis of their products. Now the vegetable cultivation in many areas are damaging fast due to lack of irrigation and maintenance beyond the control of farmers.
Milk collection from rural areas by Cooperatives has stopped adding to huge loss of Dairy farmers. Again farmers are facing difficulty in getting cattle feed and feed for their livestocks as the stores are closed and unavailable. Surprisingly no stay cows, dogs are seen on the streets due to their food scarcity after closure of hotel, restaurants etc. No relief has been assured for the farmers on Agriculture loans and to cover their losses during the lock down period. The price of vegetables commodities if available has began increasing in different areas and by end of the lock down Agriculture Industry may cripple down if remedial measures not planned immediately.
Prasanta Patnaik