Chowna Mein stresses on agricultural activities to tide over crisis during lockdown

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Taking cognizance of the economic hardships face by small traders and entrepreneurs due to the nationwide lockdown since March 25 last, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday convened a meeting here to find a way forward in the emerging situation due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was attended by the executive members of Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) and the senior officers from the departments of Finance, Planning & Investment and Agriculture.

"The coronavirus is going to stay with us for long; and we must learn to live with it. Amid the pandemic, we have to carry out our day-to-day activities like office work, agriculture and industrial works in order to thrive and move on. However, we must do it with certain restrictions while maintaining social distancing and by adhering to other government guidelines in order to contain the further spread of the disease," Mein said during the meeting.

Citing that economy of the small traders and the entrepreneurs of the State had been hit hard among other service sectors during the lockdown, Mein emphasized on bringing an economic reform by optimum utilization of technology and through innovative ideas.

Stressing on agricultural and allied activities in order to tide over such situation and to make the state self-sufficient in food and vegetables, the Deputy Chief Minister urged all to make optimum utilization of the vast land resources of the state for maximum production of vegetables and crops.

He further asked the officials to revive the Arunachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation (APMC) for marketing of the farmer's produces and also to regulate the flow of fruits and vegetables from the districts to the state capital.

A Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary (Finance) A C Verma to look into the matter and to find out a feasible solution or policy to emerge from the existing situation and in conformity with the Centre's decision, if any.

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