Farming activities in Phek resumes

A view of a paddy field in Phek district. (Morung File Photo)
 

Our Correspondent

Kohima | April 15

With the onset of sowing season, farming activities has started in many parts of the Phek district.

The state government, on April 7 last, has exempted farmers from the purview of the lockdown restrictions.

Nagaland’s Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu, who is also Nagaland’s government spokesperson on COVID-19, recently informed that farming operations across the state were exempted from the lockdown provisions.

He informed that being the sowing season, farmers can now come out of their homes, go to their fields and carry out all essential farming activities as per needs, while maintaining social distancing protocols.

 “Farming activities has started in our village,” said Thuputhiyi Venuh, chief coordinator Phek Farmers Club.

He told The Morung Express that the farmers are now attending their normal farming activities.

Phek Village Council (PVC) Secretary Vepichi Keyho asked the farmers to abide certain guidelines given by the district administration.

He requested the farmers not to go to the fields in group as the district administration has ordered that social distancing is to be maintained as per safety protocol on COVID-19.

The district administration stated that only those farmers who are solely depending on agricultural produce to be allowed to go to the fields.

Farmers attending to their fields shall follow strict timing from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

When contacted, Phek Deputy Commissioner Sachin Jaiswal informed that farmers are exempted and waiting for more guidelines from the state government as Central Ministry of Home Affairs have issued guidelines today with respect to extension of lockdown to May 3.