'Rains disrupt food supply, prices soar'

HYDERABAD:

President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries Saleem Memon has expressed concern over the severe disruption in the supply chain of food items and agricultural produce due to recent rains and floods in Sindh, and across the country.

Memon said that the impact is becoming unbearable not only for the general public but also for the trading community. He highlighted that the supply chain of vegetables and essential commodities has been badly affected, resulting in a sharp increase in the prices of tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and green vegetables. These rising prices are directly hitting both consumers and traders alike.

"Small traders, who operate on thin profit margins with daily business transactions, are suffering heavy losses due to soaring prices and supply interruptions," he said. "While buyers are distressed by inflation, sellers are forced to continue business operations at a loss instead of earning a reasonable profit."

He pointed out that many countries around the world have ensured the protection of their food supply chains through the establishment of cold storage centres, farmers' insurance schemes, price control mechanisms, and robust infrastructure. In contrast, such measures are virtually absent in Sindh, resulting in repeated hardships for both consumers and traders.