ATMA-Nagaland scheme supports farmers

Nagaland

13th May 2020

G Kaito Aye and others during the launching of face mask, hand wash soap and pamphlet on agricultural advisory in Kohima on May 13. (Morung Photo)

Agriculture department launches face mask, hand wash soap and pamphlet on agricultural advisory

Our Correspondent

Kohima | May 13

Nagaland’s agriculture department today launched face mask, hand wash soap and pamphlet on agricultural advisory for farmers of Nagaland under ATMA scheme during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

This will be distributed to the small and marginal farmers and farm women of the state.

Gracing the launching ceremony, Nagaland’s Agriculture & Cooperation Minister G Kaito Aye expressed happiness over the concept of extending support to the needy farmers during this crucial time.

The minister said that agriculture department should be more responsible and prepare to address the need of the farmers as more than 70 % of the state population depends primarily on agriculture for their livelihood.

During the 2nd and 3rd COVID-19 lockdown, the agriculture department has initiated few issue based activities of which one notable and innovative activities of giving Cotton Face Mask, Hand Washing Soap and Pamphlets to small and marginal farmers including farm women from ATMA-Nagaland is laudable, said agriculture director M. Ben Yanthan.

“This kind of intervention showing extension activities in various forms during such lockdown crises will go a long way in bringing the departmental activities for the benefit and relief to the farmers,” Yanthan said.

The director maintained that distribution of 40,000 numbers of cotton face mask, hand washing soap and pamphlet for agricultural advisories along with contact numbers of ATMA functionaries, Kisan Call Centre toll free numbers, Kisan Suvidha Mobile App to the poorer section of the farmers across the 74 Blocks of Nagaland will surely encourage social distancing and sanitation during this lockdown.

“This information intends to give the farmers easy access to connect directly with BTM/ATMs/FFs of their respective block for making various queries on agri & allied activities particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the director said.

Nagaland: Agricultural advisory during pandemic lockdown

In order to avoid the field level contagious spread of Corona virus during farming activities, farmers are therefore, advised to follow the following precautionary and safety measure.
In case of any manual field operations maintain, 4-5 feet spaced or line assigning one strip to one farmer or labour. This will ensure adequate spacing between the engaged labours by maintaining social distancing.
All the farmers should compulsorily use mask or a scarf that adequately cover the nose and mouth. Ensure hand washing with soap and water frequently. Cloths must be washed after use every day
Maintain safe distance of 3-4 feet during rest, taking meals and do not share meal with each other. Also, drink plenty of water during farm operations to avoid dehydration
Stagger (plan in phase manner) the field operation where ever possible and avoid engaging more number of farmers on the same day in a given field.
Engage only the healthy farmers or labourers to the extent possible and after reasonable enquiry so as to avoid the entry of any likely carrier during field activity.
All agricultural tools/implements or any other items used by one farmer should be sanitized and should not exchange in any manner
Follow the standard safety measures during the visit to market for purchase of farm inputs or sale of products so as to avoid crowding