The nation-wide lockdown, undertaken by Government of India as a key intervention to contain the spread of COVID-19, has been regarded as among the most stringent in the world. Announced on March 24, 2020, the lockdown came into force within four hours, leaving little time for people to prepare. Initially planned for 21 days, the lockdown was later extended to May 3, 2020 (then again to May 18, 2020). In principle, the lockdown allowed free movement of ‘essential’ commodities and operations relating to food processing. It was also supposed to allow food markets to function without impediments. In reality, those involved in food supply chains faced insurmountable challenges, including intermittent closure of wholesale markets for agricultural produce1 and restrictions... Read More