Delhi's Azadpur Mandi, show goes on despite increasing Covid-19 cases

It's not only the fear of Covid-19 pandemic, but restrictions on wholesale and retail agents have also brought down the numbers of buyers here.

Round the clock sweeping and disinfection is a new normal in Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest fruit and vegetable market. But despite implementing such extraordinary hygienic measures, buyers are a bit hesitant in flocking to the crowded market which has recorded over 15 positive cases of Covid-19 and has 14 agencies sealed on its premises.

"Adhering to social distancing, we have restricted the numbers of buyers...but the business will go on, this mandi is north India's lifeline," says Adil Ahmed Khan, Chairman of Azadpur's Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC).

In fact, the real battle on ground zero here is about lives and livelihood.

"Over