The Center has has initiated  dialogue with the exporters of Agriculture and Allied commodities to address issues related to the lockdown and the COVID-19 spread.  Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, held a video conference to gain a first- hand account of issues caused by the virus outbreak. Exporters, representatives of producer and exporter associations and Agriculture Equipment and Machinery makers participated in the meeting.
 
The availability and movement of labour, inter-state transport bottlenecks, shortage of raw materials due to closure of Mandis, phyto-sanitary certification, closure of courier services, availability of freight services, access to ports/yards and clearance of goods were amongst issues discussed
 
Industry representatives from food processing, spices, cashew nuts and machine & equipment (M&E) sectors requested permission to open and operate at 25 to 30 per cent staff strength with proper health advisories.
 
 
The Secretary said, the issues related to Port, Ocean freight services, Courier services will be considered for necessary resolution.