Fake Hapus Mangoes Enter The Market In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

In the backdrop of Akshaya Tritiya, mangoes and amars are being sold in large quantities in the city. Due to this, the demand for mangoes in the market has increased. Taking advantage of this opportunity, many traders have brought chemical-laden, fake mangoes brought from outside the state for sale in the market under the name of 'Hapus'. As a result, the city residents are not only being cheated, but their health is also being put at risk.

It is important to know the difference between natural and chemically treated mangoes.

Naturally ripened mangoes take at least 8 days to ripen. Such mangoes may not be pretty to look at, but their aroma is very alluring and their taste is amazing. On the other hand, mangoes ripened in just 24 hours with the help of chemicals like calcium carbide look yellow and attractive on the outside, but are raw on the inside. They have a strong garlic-like smell and feel hot when handled. Moreover, such mangoes also give off a powdery smell when touched.

Selling other mangoes under the name 'Hapus'

Numerous mango selling shops have been set up in major areas of the city like Chikalthana, Kranti Chowk, CIDCO, Jalgaon Road, Aurangpura, Beed Bypass. Although boards are put up saying 'Original Hapus available', in reality, it is not Hapus from Devgad or Ratnagiri, but other types of mangoes brought from states like Chennai, Kerala, Bangalore etc. that are being sold as 'Hapus'.

Misleading customers, neglect of administration

The sellers cannot provide information about which farmer they get the mangoes from. The answer is 'I bought it from a trader'. This is deceiving the customers, and the administration is ignoring it. This practice of misleading the customers and lick their pockets is rampant across the city.

QR code for the real Devgad Hapus

Genuine Devgad or Ratnagiri Hapus mangoes are now given a QR code. When scanned, the name of the mango grower, village and other information are known. However, it is interesting that no such QR code has been seen in the city market.

What should customers be careful about?

1. Ask the mango seller for information about the producer farmer.

2. Buy mangoes with QR codes if possible.

3. If the mango feels hot to the touch or has a strong odor, avoid buying it.

4. Preferably buy mangoes from local, familiar sellers.

5. Naturally ripened mangoes have a slightly wrinkled skin and a pleasant aroma.