Chennai: The Central government today said that all agricultural and horticultural activities will remain fully functional.

The consolidated guidelines released by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the extension of lockdown said,”Mandis’ operated by APMC or as notified by the State/UT government. Direct marketing operations by the State/UT governments or by industry, directly from farmers/group of farmers, FPOs co-operatives etc can be functional.”

It further said there is no restriction of framing operations by farmers and farm workers in field, agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations.

“Shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts and repairs will remain open. Inter and intra state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines are also permitted,” the release said.