Prince Charles urged students and furloughed workers to help farmers harvest crops during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prince of Wales posted a video on Twitter pleading people to take on the “unglamorous” task to pick fruits and vegetables as he stands outside by green pastures.

“If we are to harvest British fruit and vegetables this year, we need an army of people to help,” Prince Charles said.

“Food does not happen by magic. It all begins with our remarkable farmers and growers. If the last few weeks have proven anything, it is that food is precious and valued and it cannot be taken for granted.”

He compared the need for harvesters for the “Pick for Britain” campaign to the importance of the Land Army in World War II, a movement where women and girls volunteered or were conscripted into undertaking agricultural work after many men left the country to fight.

“In the coming months, many thousands of people will be needed to bring in the crops. It will be hard graft but is hugely important if we are to avoid the growing crops going to waste,” he said.

“I do not doubt that the work will be unglamorous and at times challenging, but it is of the utmost importance and at the height of this global pandemic you will be making a vital contribution to the national effort,” said the Prince of Wales.

The 71-year-old heir to the British throne, tested positive for the coronavirus in March and has since recovered.