Supply of veggies, fruits hit

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, April 3

The two-day shutdown of sabzi mandi and fruit market resulted in the shortage of supplies. The vegetable and fruit markets were closed as a precautionary measure to maintain social distancing as large number of buyers makes it vulnerable to community transmission.

The two-day shutdown resulted in limited supply of vegetables and in some areas the vendors did not even show up throughout the day. Even basic vegetables such as tomatoes and onions were not available in most areas of the city. Home deliveries too remained limited as vendors found it difficult to procure supplies.

“We had started with zero contact deliveries of organic vegetables since the lockdown began. But as the vegetable markets were shut, farmers couldn’t send supplies. We had managed to procure limited stocks from just one farm, as farm to farm procurement seems the only choice,” said Gunbir Singh, president, Dilbir Foundation, as it was conducting home deliveries of organic vegetables and supplies.

Ritika Suri, a resident of Cherherta, said: “I had not stocked tomatoes and onions as I thought daily vendors will come for delivery. But we were told by our vendor that stock will not be available for two days. It’s quite disappointing.” Mamata, another resident, said the fruit and vegetable market shutdown should not continue for long time. “It is imperative that provisions reach people otherwise it will create hysteria and panic.”