THERE is enough food in the country, including imported items, throughout the two-week movement-control period, said the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry.

In a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the impact of the directive aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19, the ministry said imported food items, such as meat, milk, and certain types of fruits and vegetables, are being brought in on a consistent basis.

“There just may be the possibility of some impact from Covid-19 on the movement or logistics of global trade,” it said in the FAQ released today.

The transportation of food across the border is allowed during the order’s enforcement period, it added.

Under the government directive, only lorries carrying food supplies can enter the country, with drivers subjected to health screenings at the border.

The ministry said there is sufficient local rice in the market.

“People do not need to panic and buy rice in large amounts to store at home.”

Domestic agricultural activities can continue, and these include farming, livestock-rearing, fisheries and aquaculture.

The ministry said night and farmers’ markets are suspended these two weeks.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry is in charge of enforcement via local councils to ensure no markets open until March 31.

The public can buy fresh local produce from Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority markets at 17 operation centres nationwide.

The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry advised farmers, breeders and fishermen who continue to work in this period to observe good hygiene, including minimising direct contact.

They must undergo health checks if they experience fever and cough, it said.

The ministry assured agricultural workers that the coronavirus does not affect plants and livestock. – March 19, 2020.