Mysuru/Chamarajanagar – Widespread rumours about chemically ripened and adulterated watermelons have sent shockwaves through the fruit market, slashing prices and leaving farmers and vendors in distress. Despite rising summer temperatures, consumers are avoiding watermelons, fearing health risks — a move that has plunged the fruit’s price from Rs 20/kg to just Rs 8/kg.
Growers across 2,517 hectares in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts had planted watermelons in hopes of good returns. But now, many are selling at a loss. “I harvested over 20 tons, but demand is so low that I’m forced to sell at just Rs 5 to 8 per kg,” said Mahadev Nayak, a farmer from Chamarajanagar.
Fruit vendor Amzad Pasha echoed similar concerns, stating that business is unusually dull despite the summer heat, as buyers have grown cautious.
Health-conscious citizens are shunning watermelons over fears of artificial ripening and chemical dyes. However, A Ravindra, an officer from FSSAI, clarified that no chemically injected fruits were found during recent inspections in Mysuru. He advised consumers to test fruit safety by dabbing a cotton ball on the pulp — if it turns red, the fruit may be tainted.
He also warned about white powder (carbide) on the fruit’s surface, advising thorough washing before consumption.
Baradanapura Nagaraj, VP of the Chamarajanagar Farmers Federation, urged the government to support farmers suffering from unfounded fears that have wrecked a seasonal staple’s market.
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