April 21st,2020

Topic:- Challenges for Farmers

What is the news?

Rain spells trouble for wheat farmers.
Thousands of tonnes of wheat got soaked in the untimely rain in grain markets across the state, bringing to fore the poor arrangements in mandis and adding to the woes of the farmers.

Challenges for Farmers:-

Damanvir Singh, a farmer from Phillaur, said:-

“Wheat growers are already struggling with delayed harvesting because of COVID-19. The untimely downpour has added to our woes. Fields are submerged. So, harvesting machines cannot enter the fields.
Some grains came off because of strong winds and some blackened because of accumulated water, deteriorating the quality of the produce

Demand:-

Farmers are already facing problems in bringing the produce to grain markets in a phased manner because of the COVID lockdown. If procurement norms are not relaxed, problems are likely to rise.

(Source:-The Tribune)

Topic:- Manufacturing Sector

What is the news?

Won’t take the blame for virus spread, say, industrialists.
Show reluctance to resume ops over strict norms.
With the well-being of the labour being “thrust upon them” as a pre-condition to allow them to operate their units, the industrialists have decided not to resume operations.

Reason by Industrialist:-

We have been told that in case any employee is found positive, an FIR will be registered against the factory owner. How can I guarantee this?
It is the time when the industry needs the government’s support. Earlier, the industry was asked to pay wages to all employees for April in advance or face legal action. We are ready to face any prosecution, but we strongly oppose such moves.

(Source:- The Tribune)