GUWAHATI: To address the various issues regarding the supply of essential food and vegetables, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora held a press conference on 6th April.
He informed that a state level committee has been constituted to maintain the procurement and supply of vegetables and other agricultural products. Further in every district, the deputy commissioners are authorized to maintain the respective district level committees.
Bora said, "Rs 4,70,00,000 has already been given for the benefit of farmers."
A helpline will also be provided for consultation by farmers which will be available from from 6 am to 6 pm. The helpline number is to be provided by tomorrow.
Talking about vegetable supply, he mentioned that home delivery of vegetables has been undertaken by authorities.
Procurement of rice is in process in the state and necessary measures have been taken to spray disinfectants in the fields.
"The state produces a total of 66 lakh metric tons of rabi vegetables. However, a current loss of 3,571 metric ton has been calculated, which is 0.06percent of the production,” the minister added.
Problems were also seen in the collection of milk. But now the total supply of milk is 1,02,031 litres, together by all the agencies. The supply of egg is also regularized.
Bora said, "We have requested the government and authorities for the supply of meat and the process will soon be started."
Operation of feed mills is to be regularized soon as raw material is available, so that food for poultries is adequately provided.
Replying to media queries Bora further informed that the state has 7 cold storages under agricultural marketing board, of which only 2 are currently functional. There are also 29 cold storages under the private sector - most or all of which are not functioning at the moment.
Fertilizer shops have been exempted from the lockdown and farmers can also collect petrol and diesel for running agricultural machineries. Any problem faced in this regard could be informed on the helpline that is to be provided.
