Coronavirus chaos disrupts vegetable supplies during lockdown period in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The residents of the city might face a shortage of vegetables during the lockdown period as the stocks have exhausted at the Pamohi wholesale market. It is the most prominent market of the city from where the vegetable supplies are distributed to different vendors. The market is being regulated by the Assam State Agriculture Marketing Board, and according to sources, till Wednesday the stocks of vegetables, except potato and onion, have run dry. While the vegetables come from Kharupetia, Barpeta, Morigaon, and Shillong, onion and potato arrive from West Bengal. The supplies have come to a standstill as the transporters supplying goods from the above-mentioned regions are not being allowed to enter the city because of the lockdown. Sources said, up to 200 small vehicles carrying supplies arrive at the Pamohi wholesale market every day. Ahead of the lockdown on March 23, only 50 supply vehicles had arrived but the entire stock was cleared by March 24. However, as on Wednesday around 60 tonnes of potatoes and onions were still left in the market, sources said.

In this regard, members of vegetable wholesalers' association met Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday. A member of the body, Majid Ali said that they made CM Sonowal aware of the situation which the citizens might face due to the scarcity. He stated that the CM took note of their concern, and assured them that 50 to 60 vehicles will be allowed to enter the market from Kharupetia and Barpeta from Thursday.

Ali added that the body is in touch with the farmers of Kharupetia and Barpeta and they are waiting for the administration’s order to allow the supply of goods to enter the city. The Assam State Agriculture Marketing Board stated that they will take all the preventive measures taken by the government to tackle the outbreak of the dreaded virus.

Meanwhile, the effect of coronavirus is wreaking havoc on some pockets. Due to the shortage of vegetables in the mandis, the prices of vegetables have skyrocketed and the people accepted it without a bargain.

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