The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has assured the medium and small enterprises in the food processing sector that their request to operate under the lockdown, being implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is under consideration.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, ministry of food processing industries, has stated that the request was currently being assessed and will likely be agreed upon soon.
She has responded positively to a petition filed before her by the All Indian Food Producers’ Association (AIFPA), assuring them that permits may be issued to the vehicles carrying raw materials for the production facilities, including the packaging material, which is essential for the manufacturing of packaged food products.
“There was also a proposal of setting up a support cell in for the resolution of the problems faced by the food industry,” the minister said.
It is pertinent to mention here that the AIFPA had written to the MoFPI to let the food industry operate under the lockdown to maintain supplies of the essential commodity, food.
Meanwhile, the hospitality industry, which is facing brunt of the current situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed solidarity over the announcement of the 21 days lockdown by the Prime Minister.
The following are quotes from some industry representatives:
Gudiya Chadha, owner and proprietor, All Elements, said, “Keep afloat. It is hard and challenging to know that what we are facing is uncertain, and the government is taking measures against it. We all need to make choices of discipline and responsibility towards supporting the government. Prayers, hope and faith in each breath.”
Sneh Jain, co-founder and managing director, The Baker's Dozen, said, “We, at The Baker's Dozen, completely support PM Modi for his bold and proactive steps for our nation. The decision was the call of the hour to control the current situation of COVID-19 and its increasing pace. Being an essential service that provides customers with their daily bread, we will be operational in a limited manner.”
“We sincerely urge customers to remain at home and will deliver their needs to the best of our abilities. We request customers to not hoard or buy in panic as stocks are limited and that prevents everyone from getting their share. We are on our best foot to ensure each customer need is fulfilled as soon as possible. Stay safe, stay healthy,” he added.
Vishal Karia, founder, Epitome, Global Dining and Bar (opening soon in Lower Parel), said, “As our country goes through a tough testing time, we, as citizens, need to come together to fight the deadly COVID-19. Epitome applauds our Prime Minister for the 21-day lockdown for the safety of the citizens. We care for our staff, guests and nation and we are fully prepared for the lockdown and will restore things to normal soon.”
“We also would like to thank, people in Central and state government services, as they are doing a noble job, risking their health selflessly for the nation’s cause. This effort of our people will not go in vain, unless we don’t follow shutdown. We are sure to come back, and we will, as a nation, bounce back, as we have done in the past and prosper,” he added.
Subbaraju Penmatsa, managing director, Prost Brewpub, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, said, “We support a move that has been initiated by the Government of India. We all should be in self-isolation and maintain social distancing as much as possible to help the situation to get better. Though the industry is taking a big hit, we will be a support system to all our employees in this hard time that we all are in.”
Pankaj Gupta, owner, Taftoon Bar & Kitchen, said, “Clarity by the Prime Minister on the food delivery operations would have been highly appreciated. Irrespective, I highly appreciate this boldness by our Prime Minister, and it is my prayer to the citizens of India to adhere by it as long as it takes to curb this pandemic.”
Vipul Hirani, co-founder, Crafters, said, “As far as the hospitality sector is concerned, while we are hurting right now, once things are settled, we will definitely see the demand returning to the sector. The challenge that we will be facing the most is with respect to finding staff as most of them have returned to their hometowns given the uncertainty.”
“The NRAI has already reached out to the government with regards to helping out the hospitality industry to get through these tough times. I hope that we get through this phase quickly and with the least damage to the health of the nation. At this point of time, nothing is more important than the health of our nation and its speedy recovery. Hoping for every citizen to stay safe and stay healthy,” he added.
Senil Shah, founder of New York Burrito Company said, “On the business end, everything will be shut. So, there will be a complete loss. Two major fixed costs are rentals and salary. On rentals, we are trying to reduce it. On the salary front, we are not firing any of our employees, as we believe that we must stand with them in this crucial time.”
“But overall, we are positive on the front that when the restaurant industry opens up, there will be a spike in sales, as so many people who are addicted to eating out are waiting to eat out,” he added.