Kaka Pingale, 48, has been in the business of floriculture since 2003 and has weathered many a storm over the years. But he doesn-t remember a time as mortifying as now. "The last time we saw business plummet was during demonetisation, in 2016. But, it was nothing compared to what we are facing at the moment," says Pingale, who runs a flower farm in Maharastra-s Inglun village, and supplies tulips, roses, carnations and gerberas across the country. For those involved in the trade, profits peak between Valentine-s Day and Mother-s Day. This year, however, the Coronavirus outbreak and the ensuing nation-wide lockdown have blunted operations. "From a 50 lakh-worth business, we have been reduced to zero," he says. His savings are helping him sustain his workers. But it-s getting difficult with each passing day.

Hari Subramanium