Impact of COVID-19 on farming activities in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh

ABSTRACT

The Covid-19 situation severely affects different walks of life, especially service sector, Manufacturing sector, Tourism, Education, Transportation etc. The agricultural sector comparatively less affected. Visakhapatnam is no exemption from this situation. But There is a remarkable impact in certain areas in Agriculture in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. In Visakhapatnam district, Paddy is the major crop occupies 1 lakh hectares, It requires huge quantity of inputs, labor and needs timely marketing facilities. The study reflects that, the income level decreased by 11% during Covid -19 situation. The percentage increase in labor cost increased by 19% during Covid situation. The percentage increase in cost of cultivation in Paddy increased by 14% during Covid situation. With regard to Constraints, the major constraints observed are non availability of Labor, Reduction in labor working hours per day, Non availability of inputs, Late receipt of amount for sold produce, Exploitation of Middlemen, Non availability of advisory support, Lack of government support and Poor marketing facilities.