There has been a lot of hue and cry in the markets after the medicos sounded alert over consuming the watermelon, citing potential health risks in the off-season. From offices to markets, everybody is presently discussing the issue as the Muslims across the valley consume watermelon in tonnes, especially in the month of Ramadhan. As the sacred month of Ramadhan has begun, the sales have declined by almost 50 per cent in the markets, leaving the concerned fruit sellers worried about it, who have been trying hard to convince the people about its consumption. Some of the videos have also gone viral on the social media platforms in which the fruit sellers could be seen pleading the people that consuming watermelon will not affect their health. There has been a 50 per cent drop in watermelon sales in the valley due to the current situation. Previously, the valley used to receive twelve trucks of watermelons on a regular basis, but now there has been a 50 per cent decrease in sales. Such a situation has created chaos within the markets and thus simultaneously puts responsibility on the government to clarify things so that the situation is back to normal. The samples have been taken in this regard and the government is expected to come up with the test reports on Saturday, March 16. In this regard, the government, if it finds everything normal, should play its role to make aware that there is nothing to worry and the concerned fruit growers could heave a sigh of relief.
Prioritizing perishable cargo
With the season at its peak, the trucks laden with fruits and other perishables begin their critical journey to markets...