FM announces third set of relief measures

The Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced the third phase of relief measures in the special economic package that the Prime Minister had spoken about earlier this week. These focus on the agriculture and fisheries sector.

The government will amend Essential Commodities Act to deregulate agricultural products listed under essential commodities. It also extended Operation Greens from Tomatoes, Onion and Potatoes (TOP) to all  fruits and vegetables to ensure their availability around the country, year-round without price volatility. In a bid to boost herbal cultivation in the country to 10 lakh hectare in 2 years, the government has commited Rs 4,000 crore. Rs 10,000 crore microfund for branding and promotion of healthy and organic food produces was also announced. 

A financing facility of Rs 1,00,000 crore will also be provided for funding agriculture infrastructure projects at farm-gate and aggregation points. https://www.news18.com/news/india/nirmala-sitharaman-press-conference-live-updates-fm-to-outline-third-tranche-of-economic-package-at-4pm-focus-on-agriculture-fisheries-likely-2621323.htmlThe government also sanctioned Rs 13,000 cr for National Animal Disease Control Programme for 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population.