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8. Write down a report on the decline in Business during Covid 19 in Punjab.
Ans: Report on the Decline in Business during Covid-19 in Punjab
When we look back at the years 2020 and 2021, it almost feels like remembering a strange
movie where the entire world suddenly came to a standstill. Streets that were once filled
with the hustle and bustle of shopkeepers, the noise of auto-rickshaws, the fragrance of
food stalls, and the cheerful chatter of customers suddenly went silent. Punjab, a land
known for its hardworking farmers, vibrant industries, and lively markets, was no exception.
The Covid-19 pandemic struck like an unexpected storm, and within weeks, the business
landscape of Punjab was deeply shaken.
A Sudden Silence in the Markets
Imagine walking into a busy bazaar of Ludhiana or Amritsar before the pandemic. Shops of
garments, electronics, sweet shops, dhabas, and local vendors would all be full of people
bargaining, purchasing, and enjoying. But during the lockdown, the same places appeared
deserted. Shutters were down, carts were empty, and vendors sat anxiously, waiting for a
miracle. This sudden silence was not just about empty roads—it was about thousands of
families losing their daily earnings.
Punjab has always been famous for its industries like textiles in Ludhiana, sports goods in
Jalandhar, hosiery items, and agricultural machinery. But with supply chains broken,
factories closed, and exports restricted, these industries saw their production fall to record
lows. Businessmen, who once dealt in lakhs and crores, were struggling to pay wages to
their workers.
The Impact on Small Businesses
While large industries faced heavy losses, the most heartbreaking stories came from small
shopkeepers and street vendors. For example, a tea seller near a school in Patiala, who
earned his living from students and teachers, suddenly found no one to serve. A small dhaba
owner near the highway, who fed tired travelers, saw empty roads and no customers. Daily
wage earners, barbers, tailors, and rickshaw pullers were the worst hit because they lived on
“earn today, eat today.” For them, the lockdown was not just about safety from a virus—it
was about survival.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Struggles
Punjab is often called the “Granary of India,” and agriculture is the backbone of its economy.
During Covid-19, even farmers faced unusual challenges. Though farming continued, the
supply chains to mandis (grain markets) were disturbed. Farmers struggled to sell their
wheat, rice, and vegetables because transportation was limited, and buyers were few.
Perishable goods like fruits and vegetables rotted in fields or godowns, causing farmers to
bear heavy losses.
Moreover, migrant laborers who usually came to Punjab for harvesting and sowing had
returned to their states due to the lockdown. This left farmers helpless in completing their