One checkpost too many, F&B and agri firms seek PMO pass

New Delhi: Food and beverage makers, agri-product companies, ingredient sellers and their packaging partners escalated their concerns over supply disruptions to the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, a day after PM Narendra Modi announced a 21-day national lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In a joint letter, sent through the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, they sought the PM’s intervention for smooth movement of all foods and beverages, agri-products and packaging material. “To ensure adequate supplies of all consumer food items, perishables and non-perishables, we request relevant departments and ministries to ensure that the movement of agri produce and agri inputs, and related items and workforce in these units are not restricted to avoid shortage and unnecessary panic among consumers,” PHDCCI president DK Aggarwal said in the letter.

In the letter, addressed directly to the PM, the companies sought exemption from manufacturing and movement restrictions for all foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and meat, agri-produce, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, soil testing equipment, irrigation equipment and raw material for processed food and beverage manufacturing and their distribution and asked that these be treated as essential commodities. The companies pointed out that farmers need seeds and other inputs in time to start sowing.