india

Updated: Apr 29, 2020 18:20 IST

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar briefed the media on Wednesday. During the press conference, the minister said that farmers across the nation have benefitted a great deal through Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme during the coronavirus lockdown.

Tomar said that the Department of Agriculture has transferred Rs 17,986 crore to farmers since March 24.

#PMKisan has benefited farmers immensely even during this #COVIDー19 as @AgriGoI has transferred Rs. 17986 crore to farmer since 24th March, 2020: @nstomar media briefing

More Details:🔽 pic.twitter.com/koThr4MynV — PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) April 29, 2020

The minister also emphasised the significance of “Kisan Rath” App which was launched amid the coronavirus lockdown on April 17 to help farmers and traders identify the right mode of transportation for movement of farm produce.

The minister said that India has primarily been an agriculture-driven nation, as a result of which the country manages to produce more than it needs.

“The country is going through a tough time and even during such circumstances, the agricultural system of the nation is completely functional,” Tomar said.

The minister said that the nationwide lockdown, to curb the spread of coronavirus, has affected many sectors and industries but hasn’t impacted the food supply or the availability of ration.

“No one in the country can say that he couldn’t find vegetables or milk amid the lockdown,” the minister stated.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 31,787 on Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Health stated. The figure includes 22,982 active cases, 7,796 patients who have been cured or discharged and 1008 fatalities. According to the health ministry, 1,813 new Covid-19 cases and 71 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

The nationwide coronavirus lockdown will come to an end on May 3 if not further extended. Punjab government, however, has extended the curfew till May 17 with limited relaxations.