Supplies streamlined, farm produce rates fixed in Bathinda

BATHINDA : Fourth day into the lockdown, the district administration on Saturday claimed of having surplus stock and sufficient supply of fruits and vegetables for doorstep delivery.

As per sources, supply of farm produce has been streamlined for the next two days, while retail sale of vegetables and fruits in local mandis has been banned from Saturday onwards.

Following complaints of overcharging by vendors, the local authorities have started fixing rates of vegetables and fruits.

The officials though did admit receiving complaints of low vegetable supply from a few slums.

District mandi officer Preet Kanwar Singh Brar said the authorities have a stock of 5,000 quintal potatoes and 1,200 quintal onions against the average daily demand of 500 quintals and 150 quintals respectively.

He said there is ample stock of fresh vegetables and smooth supply is being ensured in all localities.

The mandi premises are sanitised regularly and it is ensured that farmers and arhtiyas strictly follow social distancing, Brar said adding, “The local administration is issuing permits for over 100 trolleys for retail sale in different localities. Vendors will have to display the rate list on their vehicles. The prices will be decided based on mandi rates.”

According to sources, the city residents are getting locallygrown vegetables, including tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, peas and bottle gourd. Farmers are meeting the daily demand of 700 quintal vegetables. Similarly, the warehouse at mandi has a stock of 3,000 quintals bananas against the daily demand of 150 quintals.

“As the arrival of vegetables has been streamlined, farmers and vendors can earn again. Arhtiyas are also free to sell farm produce to the residents,” said another official.