Chennai: On the day that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes ceased to be legal tenders, there was a decreased spending by consumers on vegetables, and people shied away from buying fruits and flowers.
“This was an abysmal day something reminiscent of the time during last year’s deluge. Jyamandhi flowers that cost Rs 100 were being sold at Rs 10. I was able to sell off only 25 percent of what I bought, as people were not ready to buy. I can’t even stock the remaining amount it has been a great loss,” lamented A. Manoharan, a trader of flowers at Broadway. As the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes kept accumulating, traders stopped accepting those, he added.
“I can’t imagine tomorrow’s scenario, if again banks don’t work. More than us, the common man has been hurt as they don’t have any change to shell out for commodities they have to spend daily on,” he continued.
Meanwhile, vegetable vendors also saw a 50 per cent decline in sale despite the prices being low. L. C, Rajendran, a wholesale vegetable dealer, said that prices of vegetables were further reduced. “There will be no business tomorrow.
Starting last night, notes have been accumulating, unless I get them deposited in the banks it would be difficult to tender change,” he added. “In all, 5 to 10 per cent of traders did not open their stalls with the fear of having to trade notes, but my business was not affected,” said V. R. Soundararajan of Koyambedu market.
Fruit traders were also badly affected as people declined buying fruits.
“There are absolutely no sales today. About 20 per cent of the fruits were sold. I was ready to give change for Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 but people still decided to stay away,” said B. Manivannan, a member of the fruit vendors association.
