Mysore/Mysuru: Pushcart fruit vendors in city are facing a bleak future following lockdown in city. Only a few are now seen at various parts across the city while 70 percent of pushcart vendors seem to have stopped selling fruits.

Pushcart vendors selling fruits were a common scene in the heart of the city as well as extension areas including near Dufferin Clock Tower, Ane Sarot Street adjacent to Devaraja Market and around Devaraj Urs Road. As the State Government imposed a stringent 14-day lockdown on May 10, people can now buy essential items including vegetables, fruits and groceries only during the stipulated time (6 am to 10 am). 

At present, a few pushcart fruit vendors are utilising this opportunity, while most of them seem to have stopped, either due to lack of sales or fear of catching the disease. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore, pushcart vendor Girish said, “I have been selling fruits near Devaraja Market. As it is closed now, I push my cart to nearby extension areas and sell seasonal fruits, but most of my colleagues  have now stopped their business.” 

“To have a considerably good sale, I need to push my cart to at least 10 km per day.  Now a days, I am selling mangos, but still the response from customers is not so good, probably due to lockdown,” Girish added.