MPEDA Chairperson Leena Nair has justified the declaration of crop holiday saying the action plan of the authority is bona-fide, and part of the MPEDA Act.

“MPEDA, constituted by an Act of Parliament, has the right/authority to do everything to protect exports/augment raw materials of exports and surveillance/protection to ensure healthy crop. MPEDA is part of the surveillance mechanism of the Government of India,” she told The Hindu .

Every Act has its own powers and implementation, she said and asked: “Can the Pollution Control Board officials be forbidden from entry into farms for norms regulation?” “I have no authority to comment on the Coastal Aquaculture Authority. I have an Act, and certain powers with it. Identification and checking is a solid practice especially with respect to shrimp culture. MPEDA has to submit a quarterly report to the Government,” she said.

The action plan is an outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting with interested parties concerned, the MPEDA chief said.

Asked about the outbreak of EMS in the country, Leena Nair said it could not be confirmed or denied.

“It is for the Department of Animal Husbandry to take a call. But, the action plan is a vital part of the monitoring.”

Clarifying the misconceptions over crop holiday, she said that the holiday was to prevent farmers from squeezing in an intermittent third crop during the dry-out period.

“Let us make a good, healthy crop. It is a best management practice,” the MPEDA Chairperson said.

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