-Mongabay.com * India’s ongoing lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus is threatening the agriculture sector as it overlaps with the time of harvest. * The lockdown has derailed harvest preparation and lack of agricultural labour to help in harvest and restrictions on transportation of produce despite being given waivers as essential services. * Farmer leaders and agriculture experts criticised the relief package announced by the government to aid farmers impacted by the...

-TheWire.in As India moves into the start of the second week of the 21-day lockdown period imposed nationwide by the Government of India, it helps to examine the manner in which migrant workers have been coping with the lockdown’s requirements. Migrant workers have been moving out of India’s cities to their respective towns villages, many of them on foot due to unavailability of transport. Please click here to read more.   ...

-TheWire.in Before it is eradicated, the novel coronavirus can be tamed, but this will require the rapid implementation of an action plan that is humane, rational – and unafraid of the fiscal beancounters. It’s too late. The COVID-19 horse has bolted and closing the barn doors now will not bring it back. Despite Narendra Modi’s all-India lockdown, the number of people testing positive for the virus has risen sharply during the past...

-The Hindu Business Line WTO rules restrict India’s ability to build its food stock as the procurement of food grains at MSP is subject to strict limits With almost all economic activities likely to remain at a low key in the coming months, the COVID-19 pandemic could have a devastating impact on the livelihood and food security of millions of people across India. It is generally recognised that food stocks of 58...

-The Hindu Business Line Disruptions in the food value chain are becoming visible now. The government needs to recognise that ensuring adequate food and nutrition for the population is as essential as providing health services The community spread of coronavirus can wreak havoc in India, as the population density is extremely high and the health infrastructure inadequate. To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has shut the country down, including all the...