Food Safety During Lockdown

In the time of pandemic, food safety, accommodation for people affected due to lockdown and employment are burning challenges for the government. To mitigate the ill effects of the of pandemic on the economy as well as people of the country, the second and third tranche of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ economic package allocates money for supporting farming, agri and allied activities, fisheries, dairies, etc. Complete Coverage: Coronavirus

Crux of the Matter

Roti, Kapada aur Makan “One Nation, One Ration Card” has been introduced by the central government so that beneficiaries of ration cards can avail ration from any corner of the country. It is estimated that 67 million people will be benefited. Moreover, 100% coverage of the scheme is estimated to be completed by 2021 with an aim to provide food safety to all. Food safety for 80 million people with or without ration cards from the free food grains – 5 kg rice/wheat/1 kg chana – distribution for 2 months. The government will spend ₹3,500 crores.

Affordable rental accommodation for migrant workers and urban poor will be developed by converting government-funded houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. This work will be executed on the Public-Private Partnership model. The government has spent ₹10,000 crores to create job opportunities at 187,000 gram panchayats across India.

Breaking Down Tranche II

Mudra Shishu loan

1. ₹1,500 crores for 2% interest subvention for 12 month

2. Interest subvention means subsidy on interest rate

3. ₹1,62,000 crore already pumped through similar loan schemes

4. 30 million people benefited

For street vendors

1. ₹5,000 crores special credit facility

2. Vendors can avail a loan of up to ₹10,000

3. 50 lakh street vendors

For tribals

1. ₹6,000 crores to generate employment through afforestation and like activities

For small/marginal farmers 

1. ₹30,000 crores under the working capital facility

2. ₹90,000 crores to NABARD

3. 30 million farmers to benefit 

Credit for framers

1. ₹2 trillion allocated for farming, animal husbandry, and fisheries 

2. 25 million farmers to benefit

For middle income group (₹6 lakh to 18 lakh per annum)

1. ₹70,000 crores released to spur job opportunities 

2. 330,000 families benefited already

3. 250,000 families are likely to get benefited

4. 
   

Breaking Down Tranche III

Agriculture sector

1. ₹1 lakh crore allocated for agriculture infrastructure 

2. To construct farm-gate infrastructure, cold chain and post-harvest management structure for farmers

3. ₹500 crores for Operation Green – subsidy for transportation and storage to prevent wastage of agricultural products

Vocal for local with global outreach

1. ₹10,000 crores allocated for 2 lakh Micro Food Enterprises, farmer producer organization,  cooperatives in technical up-gradation

2. Will improve income, health and safety standards

3. Assist integration with retail markets

Animal Sector

1. ₹500 crores to promote bee farming

2. ₹13,343 crores for National Animal Disease Control

3. ₹15,000 crores to develop infrastructure for animal husbandry, dairy processing, and cattle feeding

Fishing Industry

1. ₹11,000 crores for marine, inland fisheries, and aquaculture

2. ₹9,000 crores for infrastructure like fishing harbors, cold chain, and markets

3. ₹4,000 crores for herbal cultivation in 10 lakh hectare of land under cultivation on both sides of river Ganga

4. Employment opportunities for 55 lakh people

Curiopedia

1. An estimated 2 to 3 million people died during the Bengal famine of 1943 in the Bengal province of British India during World War II. The cause of death was starvation, malaria, or other diseases aggravated by malnutrition, population displacement, unsanitary conditions, and lack of health care.

2. Anandamath is a Bengali fiction, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in 1882. The book is set in the years during the famine in Bengal in 1770 CE. The National song of India, Vande Mataram, was first published in this novel.

3. The Four Horsemen are figures in Christian faith, appearing in the New Testament’s final book, Revelation, an apocalypse written by John of Patmos, as well as in the Book of Ezekiel, where they are named as punishments from God. They are described as “the ones whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth” causing it to rest quietly. Ezekiel lists them as “sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague”.

Curated Coverage

1. Business Standard – All 9 Steps FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced in second tranche

2. Hindustan Times – Nirmala Sitharaman Live: 8 point agricultural reform announced in 3rd tranche of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat pkg

3. NDTV- Wholesale Food Inflation Eases To 3.60% In April

4. Economic times- FM Nirmala Sitharaman speech highlights: Second tranche has relief for migrant workers, small farmers & poor

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