Include seasonal fruits in relief items: Govt to DCs
The government has directed the deputy commissioners (DCs) to include mangoes, litchis and some vegetables in the list of relief items being distributed amid the Covid-19 situation.
The Disaster Management and Relief Affairs Ministry yesterday gave the directive while allocating Tk 6.30 crore and 9,750 metric tonnes of rice for the DCs of 64 districts to operate the ongoing relief activities during Covid-19 pandemic.
In the direction, the ministry said, "Vegetables, mangoes and litchis can be bought and distributed as relief items."
Besides, the ministry also said each relief recipient may be requested to plant at least five trees.
Earlier on May 16, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque in a virtual meeting with experts, business leaders and economists requested authorities to market seasonal fruits and agricultural products, including mangoes and litchis, during this crisis.
The meeting had also decided to include mangoes, litchis and other fruits, along with essential items as relief to ensure the livelihoods of fruit growers during this pandemic.
The meeting had said that poor people who had lost their jobs due to Covid-19 will also get a source of nutrition if seasonal fruits are included in the relief items.
Later, the Ministry of Agriculture sent a letter to the concerned ministries requesting them to include the fruits in relief.
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