Rythu bazaars give super markets tough competition

Fresh produce has always been the mantra of the hour. There was a time when vendors would sell fresh vegetables every day. The joy of buying vegetables every day and also eating fresh produce was something that was soon replaced by vendors getting vegetables at your doorstep.

Soon, supermarkets gave vendors a run for their money by offering you innumerable variety of vegetables all under one roof! Although they were priced at a premium price, consumers didn't mind shelling out a few extra bucks as they could lay their hands on the unseasonal fruits and vegetables made available at these supermarkets through the year. This affected the businesses of Rythu bazaars and wholesale vegetable markets (Monda market and the like). The wholesale vegetable sellers had to eke out a living by selling to their good old, loyal customers.

However, like they say, life comes a full circle. With emphasis on eating fresh vegetables to remain fit catching up among the fitness conscious denizens of Hyderabad, weekly markets have revived their business like never before making the supermarkets run out of business. Supermarkets admit that there is a decline in the numbers of people who buy vegetables from them. This is not it; farmers have realised the need to be there in business throughout the week. So each day of the day, they set up their vegetable push-carts at a different point in the city. What more! And mind you, you are spoilt for choice here too! You name it and they have it! Their products range from vegetable and meat to flowers and pickles! Some even sell plastics and steel! Also all that being available in their neighborhood is a huge relief for the consumers who can save their time, effort and money! Another icing on the cake is that they sell it at a much lesser price. At times, the crowd gets so thick, that one has to literally push and shout to make way and get ahead.

Consumers too are enjoying the ritual of bargain buying, a forgotten experience! Weekly markets are turning out to be a shopper's paradise! The hustle-bustle between the dingy lanes has returned for good and looks like the trend is here to stay!