The bustling watermelon market in Kashmir has taken a big hit with sales plummeting by an alarming 50% during the Ramadan after a clinical oncologist cautioned people against consuming artificially ripened watermelons during the off-season, citing potential cancer risks.
People traditionally enthusiastic about watermelon during Ramadan have been refusing to buy the watermelons this Ramadan amid apprehensions that watermelons are being artificially ripened using carcinogenic substances.
Almost all fruit vendors in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley are expressing concerns over the drop in demand for watermelons.
Dr Wajahat, a clinical oncologist at a premier hospital, recently cautioned against consuming artificially ripened watermelons during the off-season, citing potential cancer risks.
"This Ramzan, say NO to artificially ripened watermelons. Protect yourself from harmful chemicals and potential chemotherapy," Dr Wajahat posted on a social media site X, which garnered support from several other doctors.
The warning from the doctor had an instant result with the people showing reluctance in buying the watermelons.
Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a vendor, said nobody is buying watermelons due to claims made by doctors.
He urged the government to investigate the matter to help vendors like him avoid further economic losses.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, said there has been a 50% drop in watermelon sales in the valley due to the current situation.
"Previously, the valley used to receive twelve trucks of watermelons daily, but now there has been a 50% decrease in sales,” he said.
Bashir said the food department has taken samples of watermelons, and he hopes for clarity soon. “Health is a priority, but economic losses are also concerning. The government should share the test samples as soon as possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, J&K Drug & Food Control Organisation, Shagufta Jalal told media today that they had collected samples of watermelons from all districts of Kashmir after apprehensions were raised about the safety of watermelons.
She said the test results that came today have shown that watermelons are safe for consumption.
"Nothing adverse has come in the test reports,” she said.
Jalal appealed to people not to pay heed to rumours and watermelon is safe for consumption.