The agriculture ministry is coordinating with the state governments to facilitate and ensure that harvesting and allied activities will not be disrupted due to the pandemic. “Harvesting is in full swing. Out of the total wheat sown in 31.58 million hectares, 55% has already been harvested in the country, with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh almost completing the harvest,” mentioned the senior agriculture ministry official. “Other major wheat-producing states are likely to complete the harvesting by the end of this month.” He mentioned the farmers agitation in opposition to the three farm legal guidelines, too, has not impacted farm activities in Haryana, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh the core of the agitation.

“The government has procured around 7.5 million tonnes wheat in Punjab 58% of the total targeted procurement in the state. More than 2.3 lakh farmers in the state have received over Rs 7,800 crore directly in their bank accounts. Over 22,000 artisans engaged in procurement will get their commission once they raise the bill at the completion of this exercise,” the official mentioned. He mentioned harvesting of different crops like pulses and mustard has been accomplished, whereas harvesting of sugar cane is within the ultimate phases. Farmers are getting a profitable worth for mustard due to the surge in demand for mustard oil. As in opposition to the minimal assist worth Rs 4,650 per quintal, farmers are getting Rs 6,500-Rs 7,000 a quintal at main mandis.

“Of the pulses sown in 15.81 million hectares, harvesting has been completed for gram, lentils, urad, moong, and field pea. Similarly, 41% harvesting of rice has been completed. For sugarcane, out of the total sown in 4.85 million ha, harvesting has been completed in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Telangana. For Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, harvesting is in final stages,” the official mentioned.