Photo: Messenger
Due to high demand, farmers and wholesale traders are supplying unripe watermelons in the Sharsha and Benapole markets of Jashore to take advantage of the higher prices during Ramadan, leading to disappointment and frustration among consumers.
Despite such practices being considered fraudulent under consumer rights laws, taking action against these sellers has proven challenging due to the lack of direct complaints and evidence. While instances of buyers sharing their experiences on social media and in the news have surfaced, without tangible proof, legal action remains elusive.
Syeda Tamanna Tasneem, from the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate in Jessore, emphasized the illegality of misleading consumers by supplying unripe produce instead of the promised ripe fruits. She highlighted the importance of buyers retaining purchase receipts to substantiate any claims of deceit and facilitate necessary actions against dishonest sellers.
The traders in Sharsha-Benapole, foreseeing a rise in watermelon demand during the summer and fasting period, have been sourcing watermelons from various regions and selling them to retailers for a commission. Despite efforts to regulate prices and criticisms via social media and media coverage, the rampant sale of unripe watermelons at inflated prices continues, impacting consumers and the market alike.
Agriculture Officer Deepak Kumar Saha explained the indicators of ripe watermelons, urging buyers to check for a hollow sound when tapped and look for specific characteristics such as smooth skin and round shape for sweetness. However, instances like Sharif Ahmed's experience of purchasing raw watermelons at high prices underscore the challenges consumers face in identifying quality produce.
As the demand for watermelons fluctuates and business dwindles due to escalating prices and consumer reluctance, traders like Raju Ahmed express concerns over unsold perishable inventory. Attempts to regulate sales by discouraging per kg pricing and warnings against selling unripe watermelons have had limited success, posing further challenges to the market's stability.
Amidst these issues, Abdul Quader from Amtali fruit store in Rupadiya wholesale market defends retailers' actions, attributing the sale of unripe watermelons to consumer-level decisions. However, authorities like Rabiul Islam stress the importance of monitoring and swiftly addressing the unethical practice of selling immature watermelons.
The prevalence of unripe watermelon sales reflects a broader dilemma in balancing consumer rights, market dynamics, and ethical business practices. Addressing this issue requires collaborative efforts from consumers, traders, and regulatory bodies to uphold fairness and transparency in fruit markets, safeguarding consumer interests and market integrity.
Messenger/Faria
