Rains to hamper Rythu Bazars, set up in open areas

Amaravati: Vegetable markets in the open area became a problematic issue for both consumers and vendors as the rainy season starts. It is predicted that the rains will start in a week in the State.

It is worth mentioning that in view of COVID 19 pandemic, the state government made alternative arrangements for vegetable markets across the State, particularly in urban areas so as to maintain physical distance. In fact, it helped a lot in combating with the coronavirus and ensuring proper supply of the vegetables to the residents. Till now, it is not a problem since it is summer. Now, the real problem is with the continuous rains, which will be witnessed almost regularly during the Southwest Monsoon.

B Srinivasa Rao, a resident at Guntur said that the rains will be a problem for both consumers as well as to the vendors. He said that some vegetables got damaged when the vendors could not save them from rains. He said that after completing the market timings, the vendors have been putting their products on the open grounds and going to their homes. Most of the markets are in open places and without shelter.

Meanwhile, K Raghuram, a vegetable vendor said that when they were in the regular Rythu Bazars or vegetable markets, there were shelters and vegetables could be stored properly. The customers also could purchase the product without facing many difficulties during the rainy season also. But, now, it will be somewhat difficult for us to sell them in the rains in open places, he added.

Both consumers and vendors are expecting the government authorities to take appropriate decision to avoid these practical problems.

N Murali Krishna, a consumer at the Rythu Bazar at NTR Stadium in Guntur observed that if the product got damaged due to rains or some other problem, then it will have an impact on all including farmers, consumers and vendors. Hence, the government authorities like the Marketing department and urban authorities must intervene and make a decision before the onset of the rains, he observed.