Impact of COVID 19 on Agricultural Sector in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study was formulated to know the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture and allied sectors in Krishi Vigyan Kendra Operational areas in West Godavari District. Ex-post facto design of research was used. Data was collected from 60 farmers. Interview schedule as well as questionnaire was developed in the form of Google on set of question related to impact of COVID 19 on horticulture sector, food sector and livestock sector. Normal descriptive statistics (frequency & per centage) was used. During the study it observed that in horticulture sector harvesting of major fruits and vegetable crops have been affected due labour shortage. Impact of COVID 19 in case of food crops is harvesting of major food crop (paddy) was completed due to mechanization but the labour unavailability has increased the labour cost and cost of cultivation of crops. In livestock sector, feed and concentrate availability were major affected areas followed by non-availability of veterinary services, shortage of fish seed, feed and transportation. 86.66 per cent of farmers reported that the government has announced relief measures and supply ration to poor ration card holders including farmers and farm women get 5 kg of rice and one Kg of pulses free of cost every month during lockdown period. 86.66 per cent farmers suggested that quality seed, fertilizers, pesticides supply from the government on subsidy basis followed by Provide MSP for produce and government directly procure the produce from farmers.