Economies emerging out of our Kitchens in post covid era where we need to respond
By Rony Banerjee
Online grocery shopping saw a boost during the pandemic. Now it has become a way of life, that shall stay there for ever. Even the next-door grocery shop from where we got our tea leaf and sugar, while returning from a walk, now delivers that over a phone call without charging a single penny extra towards services rendered. The shop owner responded to the call of the hour or else he would have lost it.
There are no delivery charges for anything substantial. Coming down over time, people find it much more convenient to order groceries online than to go to the market and spend two hours to get the same outcome. These people will not revert to the old ways because the behavioural change here has given them a fundamentally better experience.
The industry disruptors have already extended the extra push towards their established businesses. The neighbourhood shops can be pushed over the edge anytime that may force them to shut down. The forerunners can take over the industry anytime. However, in case of crisis scenarios, they might just be termed as industry saviours. They bring new ideas to the table that are in current demand and force other businesses to evolve and step up their economy or be run over by new start-ups.
Enterprises that need the utmost attention right now are the ones that directly or indirectly uplift the country’s economy. Indian is one such nation that can reap the most of its demographic dividend.
Providing economic opportunities at the lowest levels is something that will help create a stronger foundation and in turn help uplift the higher levels of the economy. Several ideas and frameworks can be implemented in today’s post-Covid scenario. Given the vastness of India, millions are yet to be pulled out of a life of misery. The Greengrocer selling vegies at your doorstep can be the one. Let’s look at him as if he is the AI enabled just in time delivery boy who has come up with the option at your doorstep, where you can pick, choose, bargain, and then get the right thing for you. Also be reminded that the online store does not offer you the free green chillies!
We as consumers need to explore collaboration with diverse participants if we want to build a more adaptive, less theoretical and more effective response capacity. Our kitchen is just one of the start up windows.
