Hemraj Jagannathji Choudhary

If you go down to the New Aaloo Pyaz Mandi and look for stall 111, that’s where you’ll find Hemraj Jagannathji Choudhary. It’s a busy place, especially in the early hours of the morning before the sun is even up properly. The whole area is filled with the smell of onions and potatoes, and there’s always people shouting and trucks backing in. Our spot is just one of many, but we’ve been here long enough that everyone knows us. We don’t have a fancy office; it’s basically just a space with some crates, a few ledgers, and maybe a chair or two if we’re lucky. The floor is usually covered in some dirt and stray vegetable skins, which is just part of being in a mandi. We spend our time talking to farmers and buyers, trying to get the prices sorted out and moving the stock as fast as it comes in. It’s a loud and messy environment, but it’s where the real work happens. You won't find any marketing brochures or polished presentations here. We just deal in what’s in front of us. Some days are slow and we just sit around drinking tea and talking to the neighbors, but most days it’s a rush to get everything weighed and loaded. It’s a basic life, but it keeps us busy and we like the energy of the market when it's in full swing.