Farmers sent to 600 areas as 12 rythu bazaars shut
The Telangana state government decided on Tuesday to set up 3V safe tunnels, a disinfectant tunnel, at major markets like Monda and LB Nagar in the city to contain the spread of coronavirus. The TRS government also decided to close down 12 rythu bazaars in the city and send the farmers to
600 different locations. The government decided to continue this model even after the lockdown since it has been receiving good response from vegetable buyers. The government is conducting a survey currently, in partnership with the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), to find out the consumption pattern in gated communities, slums and different colonies to supply vegetables at the people’s doorsteps to avoid congestion at markets.
Despite the closure of hotels, restaurants and function halls, the average consumption of vegetables has increased by
1, 300 quintals per day in the city. The price of vegetables has decreased by six per cent in average.
The retail price of per kg of tomato on Tuesday was
`15, brinjal `27, ladies’ finger `33, green chillies `31, bitter gourd `31, ribbed gourd `33, cauliflower `17, cabbage `20, carrot `34, potato `35, onions `28 and all others commodities at around `15.
Similar pricing will be maintained during lockdown to benefit farmers and consumers. The marketing department officials said there will be no shortage of vegetables and people need not worry about price hikes.
Principal secretary (agriculture) B. Janardhan Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that 3V safe tunnels would be installed at two major market yards at Bowenpally and LB Nagar, where commodities come from all districts, and even neighbouring states. He said that disinfection tunnels would be installed at both markets to contain spread of virus.
Mr Reddy said that 12 rythu bazaars in the city have been shut during lockdown. Vegetables were being supplied to 6,000 locations across the city to avoid congestion at markets.
“Though the department has increased per kg price of each commodity by `5, we have been receiving overwhelming response from public since they can avoid congestion at market places, maintain social distance, and get vegetables at doorstops. They save on travel and fuel cost. Since there is good response for mobile rythu bazaars from consumers, we would implement the same even after lockdown,” Mr Reddy said.
He said the department has been coordinating with NRSA to geo-fence localities to check demand of vegetables across the city and rationalise it. Based on density and demand, the department will supply required quantity of vegetables.
“To eradicate public congestion, we would eventually shut weekly markets and supply vegetables to doorsteps. The idea of decentralisation of rythu bazaars have impressed the Centre and it has asked state government share the model to implement it across the country,” Mr Reddy added.
THE RETAIL price of per kg of tomato on Tuesday was `15, brinjal
`27, ladies’ finger `33, green chillies `31, bitter gourd `31, ribbed gourd
`33, cauliflower `17, cabbage `20, carrot `34, potato `35, onions `28 and all others commodities at around `15.