‘Grown all year long, suitable for eating’, says Meals Security Division, Right here is every thing you could know

The newest controversy to erupt in Kashmir is of watermelons. This controversy erupted after few Kashmiri docs alleged that synthetic chemical compounds have been used for ripening watermelons, including this was not the season of watermelon harvesting. Most docs stirred social media, affecting the livelihoods of many who depend on promoting watermelons.

Nonetheless, the declare of March-April not being a season of harvesting will not be true and lacks fundamental analysis. Based on Nationwide Horticulture Board, in India, the predominantly tropical local weather makes all seasons conducive to watermelon cultivation. In states corresponding to Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and others, watermelon cultivation is viable almost year-round. Nonetheless, watermelons are delicate to chilly and frost, necessitating cultivation in areas the place winters are much less extreme.

Watermelons largely thrive finest in sandy loam soil that gives good drainage. In addition they develop properly in black soil and sandy soil, so long as there may be an enough quantity of natural content material and correct water drainage. It’s essential to make sure that water doesn’t accumulate within the soil, as this may result in fungal infections within the vines.

Agriculture officers, The Kashmiriyat, spoke to additionally identified to the opportunity of the chilly storage and mentioned watermelons can absolutely be positioned in chilly storage. “Each product out there has contamination, not simply fruits or greens. There may be sub commonplace high quality in every thing we eat,” mentioned an agriculture officer from Anantnag.

The allegations of watermelon adulteration unfold quickly on social media platforms corresponding to Fb pages and WhatsApp teams with out enough analysis or verification. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that the duty can not solely be attributed to those platforms. If a health care provider fails to conduct thorough analysis on a topic earlier than making claims, additionally they bear some accountability for perpetuating misinformation.

Zahoor Ahmed, a fruit vendor from Anantnag says, “I had solely received watermelons this yr contemplating that folks in Kashmir eat watermelons throughout Iftar. However this yr, persons are seeing us with suspicion. Not that the gross sales have gone down, however as a dealer, I’d not wish to be considered with suspicion,” mentioned Zahoor

The controversy

In Kashmir, watermelons are extremely consumed in the course of the month of Ramadhan. Over the previous 5 years, the consumption of watermelons in the course of the holy month of Ramadan is fairly excessive. Within the final Ramadan of 2023 alone, over 25 vehicles carrying roughly 11 tonnes of watermelons, valued at round Rs 1 crore, have been delivered to Kashmir every day.

This excessive consumption means a excessive consumption too, largely from the economically underprivileged. The remarks of docs in Kashmir appear to be devoid of all the required analysis, nevertheless it has actually created panic in Kashmir. Little doubt, there are injected watermelons out there obtainable, not solely throughout Ramadan, however all year long.

On Thursday, the panic prompted the Meals Security Division of Kashmir to conduct rigorous assessments within the valley to verify if the watermelons are artificially ripened. After the assessments, the division rebuked the claims as baseless about untimely ripening of watermelons with the usage of chemical compounds and warranted that the division stays dedicated to sustaining stringent meals security requirements.

Deputy Commissioner Meals Security Division Shugufta Jalal mentioned that the consultants, who concentrate on meals expertise, have performed rigorous assessments throughout the area and that the claims of untimely ripening are baseless.

She mentioned that the assessments embrace each surveillance and indepth evaluation utilizing superior tools, and the outcomes have confirmed that the watermelons are protected for consumption. “Watermelons are grown all year long in varied components of India as a result of nation’s various weather conditions which makes the fruit obtainable in all seasons, opposite to the claims that it’s not a seasonal fruit,” she mentioned.

Shagufta mentioned that the division has been proactive with groups deployed and cellular testing vans stationed in key areas throughout Kashmir to conduct on the spot testing.

The physician, who initially unfold the hearsay additionally confronted her ire for “not consulting with the authorities” earlier than making public statements as such remarks have brought about undue misery among the many inhabitants.

The way to test for faux watermelons

Be careful for white powder: Generally, a white or yellow powder could also be seen on the floor of watermelons. Whereas it is likely to be mistaken for mud, it might really be carbide, a chemical used to speed up ripening. Related chemical compounds are additionally utilized within the ripening of mangoes and bananas. To mitigate the danger, it’s advisable to completely wash watermelons with water earlier than chopping into them.

Study the colour: Injected watermelons could seem excessively crimson, with heightened sweetness when sliced open. Moreover, a barely burnt mark could also be seen within the center attributable to chemical therapy. Regardless of showing recent initially, these watermelons may very well be in a state of decay. You may also take a cotton ball and rub it on the floor of the watermelon, if the color of the cotton ball modifications, it’s adulterated, if not it’s good to eat.

Verify for holes or cracks: Usually, injected watermelons could exhibit small holes or cracks. Whereas these imperfections is likely to be dismissed as pure, they will point out synthetic ripening. If such openings are discovered upon chopping, it suggests potential injection.

Inspecting a watermelon: The simplest methodology to detect injected watermelons is by observing the aforementioned indicators. Alternatively, permitting the watermelon to take a seat for 2-3 days after buy also can reveal indicators of chemical injection. Since watermelons usually have an extended shelf life, leaving them for a couple of days poses no hurt. If throughout this era, foam or water emerges from the floor, it’s indicative of chemical injection.