Pune: QR Codes Introduced to Curb Fraud in Hapus Mango Sales
Pune: QR Codes Introduced to Curb Fraud in Hapus Mango Sales
With summer in full swing, the arrival of Hapus mangoes from the Konkan region has delighted fruit lovers. However, the high demand for these premium mangoes often leads to fraudulent practices, including mislabeling inferior varieties as authentic Hapus and overcharging customers. To counter this, the Pune Zilla Parishad has introduced QR codes on each mango, ensuring authenticity and protecting buyers from deception.
Mango Festival at Gultekadi Market Yard
To provide Pune residents with access to genuine Konkan mangoes at fair prices, the Pune Zilla Parishad has organized a special mango festival at the Gultekadi Market Yard. Launched on April 1st under the “Producer to Consumer” initiative, the festival eliminates middlemen, enabling direct sales from farmers to consumers. This initiative supports local agriculture, stabilizes prices, and guarantees quality.
The festival features mangoes from five key Konkan districts: Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, Palghar, and Thane. Visitors can explore and savor a variety of mangoes, each boasting distinct flavors and aromas.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Beyond mango sales, the festival also promotes women’s entrepreneurship. Several self-help groups from Pune district have set up stalls selling authentic local products and traditional foods. Of the 60 stalls, 15 are dedicated to products crafted by women under the “Umed” campaign, encouraging local business growth and self-sufficiency.
QR Codes: A Step Towards Transparency
A major highlight of this year’s festival is the introduction of QR codes on every mango. This innovative measure combats fraudulent labeling, particularly the misrepresentation of inferior mangoes as premium Devgad Hapus. Consumers can scan the QR code to verify the fruit’s origin and authenticity, ensuring they receive genuine, high-quality produce.
By implementing this initiative, the Pune Zilla Parishad is setting a new standard for transparency in mango sales. The festival is not just a celebration of mangoes but a step toward fair trade, authenticity, and community empowerment.
