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China farmers face 'exploding' watermelon problem | China farmers face 'exploding' watermelon problem |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Farmers in eastern China have been left perplexed after their watermelons began to explode one by one. | |
An investigation by state media found farms in Jiangsu province were losing acres of fruit because of the problem. | An investigation by state media found farms in Jiangsu province were losing acres of fruit because of the problem. |
The overuse of a chemical that helps fruit grow faster was blamed in one report by China Central Television. | The overuse of a chemical that helps fruit grow faster was blamed in one report by China Central Television. |
But agriculture experts were unable to explain why chemical-free melons were exploding. They cited the weather and abnormal size of the melon as factors. | But agriculture experts were unable to explain why chemical-free melons were exploding. They cited the weather and abnormal size of the melon as factors. |
China Central Television said farmers were overspraying their crops with the growth promoter, hoping they could get their fruit to market ahead of the peak season and increase their profits. | China Central Television said farmers were overspraying their crops with the growth promoter, hoping they could get their fruit to market ahead of the peak season and increase their profits. |
Chemical-free | Chemical-free |
According to the Xinhua news agency, 20 farmers in a village in Jiangsu province planted imported seeds from Japan, with 10 households saying their watermelons began exploding last month. | According to the Xinhua news agency, 20 farmers in a village in Jiangsu province planted imported seeds from Japan, with 10 households saying their watermelons began exploding last month. |
Farmer Liu Mingsuo told Xinhua that more than two-thirds of his crop had blown up. | Farmer Liu Mingsuo told Xinhua that more than two-thirds of his crop had blown up. |
He said he had used chemicals to boost their growth on 6 May, and the following day more than 180 melons exploded. Mr Liu was reported to be the only farmer from the 10 households who used chemicals. | He said he had used chemicals to boost their growth on 6 May, and the following day more than 180 melons exploded. Mr Liu was reported to be the only farmer from the 10 households who used chemicals. |
Wang Dehong, who has been farming watermelons for 20 years, couldn't understand why his fruit also exploded as he had not used any chemicals. | |
Agricultural experts investigating the incident were unable to offer an explanation. | Agricultural experts investigating the incident were unable to offer an explanation. |
China has approved the usage of the growth chemical under certain quotas. So far, tests show the chemical is safe, Xinhua reported. | China has approved the usage of the growth chemical under certain quotas. So far, tests show the chemical is safe, Xinhua reported. |
However, as the public is increasingly concerned about food safety, experts say a quality tracking system should be introduced, detailing every stage along the food chain, to inform the public fully, and ensure food safety. | However, as the public is increasingly concerned about food safety, experts say a quality tracking system should be introduced, detailing every stage along the food chain, to inform the public fully, and ensure food safety. |
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