The Covid-19 outbreak has hit the farmers following the national level lockdown.
In Kendujhar district the farmers find it difficult to save their crops with no transport facilities and labourers. The fertilizers and pesticide stores are closed.
In Sadar Block, Jhumpura Block and Ghatgaon Block, it is seen that farmers initially began distress selling of their vegetables and crops in the first two -three days of the lockdown fearing marketing crisis of their products. Now the vegetable cultivation in many areas are damaged 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 stray 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 lockdown period. The price of vegetables commodities has begun increasing in different areas.
