Umaisar Gull Ganie
Srinagar, Mar 11: Experts have strongly advised against consuming early-ripened fruits, especially watermelon, due to potential adverse health effects. They said consumers can distinguish artificially ripened fruits by their taste, which often lacks the sweetness found in mature fruits.
Dr Mehraj D. Shah, Head of the Research Centre for Residue and Quality Analysis at SKUAST Kashmir, said, “Watermelon is not our main crop. Usually, people use ethylene and other chemicals for the quick ripening of the fruit. Any chemical used for earlier ripening isn’t good for health, whichever fruit it may be.”
He explained, “The maximum permissible level of pesticides is a limit for exported fruits and vegetables that most countries adhere to. Any consignment that exceeds such limits is rejected upon testing. However, such testing isn’t conducted for domestic purposes, and these rules aren’t applied for local use. It should be implemented here too.”
Dr Shah said every pesticide, once sprayed, has a waiting period before consumption. “However, there are no such criteria in Kashmir or any other part of the country. There is a need for testing procedures for fruits and vegetables regarding forced ripening or natural ripening,” he said.
Fruits arriving early in the market are either the result of chemical use or the injection of chemicals after the fruit is set to be transported, which is very unhealthy, the doctor said, adding that forced ripening fruits lack natural taste and their Total Soluble Sugars (TSS), which determine maturity index, couldn’t be seen in such fruits.
The expert said that testing would determine the maturity of the fruit as every pesticide has adverse effects.
During Ramadan, to manage water levels in the body, there are other options than watermelon, Dr Shah added.
Chairman of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union, Bashir Ahmad Basher said that they have no idea about artificially ripened fruits. He said the concerned authorities should test the fruits.
According to Bashir, Kashmir receives watermelon even in winter, but people usually consume it during Ramadan. “We can’t determine whether the fruit is ripened artificially or mature. It can be scientifically checked by authorities only,” he said.
