In this podcast, Siraj Hussain, former secretary of the union agriculture ministry, talks to The Wire’s Kabir Agarwal about the impact of the COVID-19 induced lockdown on the agriculture economy. From the success of wheat procurement in Haryana and Punjab to the plight of vegetable, fruit and flower growers who have suffered massive losses, they delve deep into the issues and challenges that have been thrown up. Hussain also argues that a form of enhanced income support to farmers is an essential need during this time of crisis.
