Nawada: People in Nawada are being fed what locals call “sweet poison” in the name of mangoes. Traders are bringing raw mangoes from Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and other states into the district. They place these raw mangoes in plastic crates and sprinkle them with a chemical called ethylene ripener to force them to ripen quickly. Waste paper is then placed on top of the crates, and within a day, the green mangoes turn yellow and look ready to eat. These mangoes are then sold at low prices in markets across Nawada.
This practice is happening openly not only in Nawada town but also in nearby villages. Because the mangoes are cheap, many poor villagers buy them without knowing the health risks. After eating these mangoes, people are falling sick with stomach problems and other diseases. Villagers like Anil Kumar, Ajay Kumar, and Deva Rajvanshi said that even though the mango season is over in Bihar, markets are still full of mangoes that come from outside the state and are full of chemicals.
According to farmers, Bihar’s famous Dudhiya Malda mango and other varieties are available only till the month of Ashad. Due to heavy rains after that, local mangoes rot quickly and are not sold. However, traders continue to sell mangoes ripened with chemicals to make quick profits. People say these mangoes look bright and attractive but are dangerous for health. They want strict action against traders who are selling these mangoes and risking public health.
When asked about the issue, Block Development Officer Sanjeev Jha said the Food and Safety Department is responsible for checking such practices, and inspections are done at the district level or by the Health Department. Dr Dilip Kumar, the DS Doctor in charge of the Sub-Divisional Hospital, said
