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AP Govt to issue order against use of carbide for ripening mangoes soon
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Wednesday, 21 March, 2012, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Manjushree Naik, Mumbai
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This summer season, Andhra Pradesh is likely to be free of mangoes ripened with calcium carbide, a cancer causing chemical, as the state government is likely to issue an order in this regard this week.
Speaking to FnB News over telephone, Md Israr Ahmed, director, marketing, agricultural marketing department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, explained, "This time we have a large quantity of mango produce and right now meetings among farmers and consumers are being conducted in various districts to create awareness on using ethanol instead of calcium carbide for ripening."
He added, "Further to the meetings, a GO will be issued on the ban of using carbide for ripening and it will be ensured that the order is adhered to throughout the state."
The main mango producing districts in Andhra Pradesh are Krishna, Chittoor, Khammam, and Nalgonda. These districts are known for varieties such as Benishan, Totapuri, and Malgoba.
Ahmed admits, "If 100 kg are going out of the state, at least, 95 kg of them are ripened with carbide and the rest by better means like ethanol. However, the traders have been made aware of the massive losses - mangoes ripened with carbide rot in 3-4 days - that they have to bear for attempting to save some money in using carbide, which is very cheap compared to other means."
According to him, the National Horticulture Mission offers 25 per cent subsidy for using pack houses, ripening chambers and permitted means like ethanol for the purpose. Hence, the use of calcium carbide can be successfully avoided.
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