Srinagar, March 31 -- Despite receiving clearance from the Food Safety Department, watermelon sales continue to be low in Kashmir this year.

Several vendors said that while sales have slightly improved after the clearance, they remain significantly lower compared to last year.

"This decline is due to the claims made by a few doctors regarding the artificial ripening of watermelons, and also the adverse weather conditions," he said.

Mohammad Ramzan, a vendor, said even his family members refrained from consuming watermelon after reports emerged about artificial ripening.

Despite the clearance from the food safety department, reluctance among consumers continues, especially during Ramadan when watermelon consumption is traditionally hig...