HYDERABAD: Mango farmers who had come to Kothapet fruit market had to face some tough moments after fruit traders refused to buy their produce. This led to a protest by the farmers at the entrance of the market early Monday morning.
Close to 70 trader licences were cancelled after they were found using the banned carbide chemical for fruit ripening.
The traders had called for a protest on March 20 but received lukewarm response. The mango farmers were unaware that the traders did not have licence.
“We had asked them to use ethylene for fruit ripening as use of carbide has been banned in the state. But the traders say there are not enough ethylne available for them,” said M Yalliaih, secretary, Kothapet fruit market.
Two trucks of mangoes were not off loaded at the market yard on Monday, the farmers protested briefly and then left. The market has constructed ethylne chambers but due to high demand most traders can’t find slots for their fruits, he added.
Several farmers sought the intervention of industries minister Jupally Krishna Rao.