Fruit sales dip amid adulteration fears in Trichy

Trichy: Sales of summer fruits — watermelons and palm fruits — have witnessed a sharp decline this season across the district.
Vendors attribute the slump primarily to public apprehension following reports of possible adulteration and the relatively lower temperatures recorded this summer. They said the business has been lower compared to the past few years.
"Last year around this time, watermelons were sold around 30 per kilogram. This year, prices have dropped between 10 and 20," said Kalidaas M, a fruit vendor near the uzhavar sandhai. "Despite the price cut, we're left with unsold stock every day. People are scared after the news of chemical use, even though officials have assured fruits are safe."
Similarly, palm fruits that fetched around 110 per dozen last year are now being sold at around 85, but vendors say the demand is still low.
M Azhar, a wholesale fruit seller at the Gandhi market, said, "We've slashed prices just to attract customers, but sales are poor. The comparatively mild summer hasn't helped either as many people don't feel the need to buy water-rich fruits."
R Deva, a customer from Woraiyur, said, "I used to buy watermelons regularly, but now I hesitate. I'm not sure what to believe—whether they are safe or not. So I've just stopped buying them for now."
Another customer, S Uma from Cantonment, said, "We always used to buy palm fruits for the kids during the summer. But this year, we've avoided them after reading WhatsApp messages about harmful chemicals used in fruits."
S Saranya, deputy director of horticulture for the district, said no instance of adulteration had been detected. "Awareness campaigns are being conducted to allay consumer fears. Watermelons and palm fruits have been tested rigorously and are safe to consume," she said.