VIJAYAWADA: The much-hyped stall set up for organic fruits, vegetables and pulses at the Swaraj Maidan Rythu Bazaar remained shut from the second day of its inauguration by Krishna district collector (DC) B Lakshmikantham. Officials cited various reasons like no supply of organic produce and lack of storage facilities at the market for the closure of the stall from Thursday itself.
In a first of its kind initiative, the administration had planned to set up exclusive stalls for the sale of fruits, vegetables and millets that are cultivated with zero based natural farming at all 22 rythu bazaars in district. The officials identified a few rythu bazaars to implement the initiative on pilot basis. Meanwhile, B Lakshmikantham, who said he was unaware of the stall’s closure, called up marketing officials and instructed them to make sure it is kept open Sunday onwards.
In response to the collector’s instruction, Assistant Director of Marketing, Ravikumar, said, “The stall was shut on Saturday due to unavailability of organic vegetables. The stall owners claim that they will get the produce on Monday.” “If such initiatives are not implemented properly, the public will not have faith in our words. I will inspect the stall on Sunday to make sure organic fruits and vegetables are available there. In fact, I will visit it everyday, if required,” the DC said.
Speaking to TNIE, B Dayakar Babu, Assistant Director, Horticulture department, said, “A few rythu bazaars already have stalls selling organic produce. The produce and supply is increased based on the demand.”