PANJIM: As the harvesting season begins, the State government has urged farmers to take various safety measures including social distancing in the field in wake of COVID19 outbreak in Goa.
In an advisory issued to the farmers, The Directorate of Agriculture urged them to take various measures while carrying out their farm operations since the harvesting of paddy, vegetable, pulses, cashew, coconut and other crops has commenced in Goa.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“Farmers have been urged to take safety measures like social distancing while harvesting, threshing, transportation, having meals, taking rest,” the advisory mentioned.
“Also, at time of handling/loading/unloading of farm produce including post harvest operation; apart from maintaining personal hygiene by washing the hand with soap at regular interval to prevent spread of COVID-19,” it added.
During harvesting, the farmers have been advised to avoid engaging more number of labours per day and to ensure that one person shall operate in unit area to maintain social distance.
The Directorate has emphasized to engage only familiar persons in farm operations as far as possible to ensure that entry of suspect or likely carrier is avoided during the operation.
“Wash the farm implements, tractors, power tiller, transport vehicles. after their use at each time with soap water. Ensure proper drying of produce before storing to prevent pest infestation. Bags should be sundried for at least two to three hours before they are used for packing”, the advisory added.
The farmers who are selling paddy to registered paddy procurement agencies/rice mills have also been requested to take adequate care at all stages to avoid the spread of virus.
Further, the general public have been advised to grow vegetable in their kitchen garden and the seeds can be procured from the department.
