Agriculture and its allied departments in Kashmir on Thursday issued advisories to the farmers staff with regard to different agricultural practices amid COVID-19 threat.
Joint Director Agriculture Kashmir (Extension) MohammedIqbal Chowdhary told Greater Kashmir that they want the farmers to follow theprecautions and safety measures mentioned in the advisory during theagriculture activities to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
He said that their department is trying its best to provideall the facilities to its farmers.
“In view of the importance of timely availability ofcritical inputs and restoration of agriculture activities in Kashmir valley,our department has geared up its men and machinery to provide all the help thefarming community in these difficult times,” the JD, Agriculture department,said.
“We are ensuring the availability of the seeds,fertilisers and other necessary equipment are available for the farmers in allareas,” he added.
The official requested the farmers to get in touch withtheir zonal agriculture officers for the purchase of critical agricultureinputs which include high quality seeds, (paddy, maize and vegetable) exoticand normal.
Meanwhile, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), of SKUAST-K hasalso recommended certain measures for the farmers here amid COVID-19 threat.
An advisory issued by the KVK unit Shuhama Ganderbal askedthe farmers to,”Wash hands properly with soap or use of sanitizer beforeand after carrying any field operation. Maintain at least one metre distancebetween the workers. Avoid unknown persons to enter your field. Don’t spit,shake hands or hug each other during the field operation.”
The KVK advisory further read that in case any person feelsill like cough, sneezing or fever, he should immediately consult a doctor.
It urged the farmersfor taking proper precautions which include wearing face masks, gloves, apronwhile spraying pesticides, besides, washing hands, equipment, machines properlyafter completion of spray and before entering back home.
The farmers in the advisory were asked to contact the KVK orSKUAST-K experts in case of any emergency or need on phone or whatsapp.
“The advisory issued is in line with the directionsfrom SKUAST-K following the advisories and directions from ICAR that we haveissued guidelines for the farmers and orchardists to take precautions andmeasures amid COVID-19 threat” Dr Javed Ahmed, a scientist with SKUAST-Ktold Greater Kashmir.