The visitors to the Koyambedu fruit and vegetable market encountered a daunting sight: over two feet of stagnant water mixed with rotting vegetables, fruits, and other waste materials on Wednesday, .
Ankle-deep slush made navigating the retail section a challenging task for those brave enough to explore the market.
The aftermath of recent heavy rains has led to a significant decline in the demand for fresh produce, resulting in a sharp drop in prices. S. Muthukumar, a wholesale vegetable trader, reported that panic buying had briefly spiked prices earlier in the week when a red alert for heavy rains was issued. Just two days prior, tomatoes were priced at ₹120 per kilogram; by Wednesday, the price plummeted to ₹50, yet very few buyers were present.
Tuesday’s torrential rains left the market in knee-deep water, with attempts to drain the area continuing on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the low footfall meant that many vegetables went unsold and were ultimately discarded. Traders expressed frustration over the market’s poor maintenance, which has further discouraged customers from visiting.
S. Srinivasan, president of the fruit market, highlighted the drastic drop in fruit sales, stating that the market typically sells around 10 tonnes of fruit daily. However, on Wednesday, only about 300 kg were sold, as rain alerts on television and the market's unsatisfactory condition kept buyers at bay. Many unsold fruits, including sweet limes and oranges, were left to rot, contributing to the filthy state of the market.
The Koyambedu market, usually bustling with activity during this season, now faces a significant challenge in recovering from the impacts of the heavy rains and the subsequent drop in consumer demand.
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