During the recently concluded session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, it was revealed that, out of 86 pesticide and fertiliser samples found to be substandard across the Union Territory, 85 originated from the Valley. The data offers a troubling glimpse into the state of farming supplies in Kashmir, where horticulture forms the economic backbone for many communities. The report highlighted that 57 samples of pesticides and 27 of fertilisers were deemed substandard in Kashmir, compared to just one pesticide sample in Jammu. Out of 4,075 samples collected across the UT during 2024–25, 2,912 passed quality tests, while 86 failed, and results for 1,045 samples remain pending. This situation has stirred concern among growers, who are already navigating the uncertainties of seasonal farming and unpredictable weather patterns. Against this backdrop, many orchardists in Kashmir are increasingly turning to plant growth regulators (PGRs), banking on their promise of better fruit development. These synthetic substances, although widely used now, lack formal approval or scientific validation from leading institutions, such as SKUAST-K or the Horticulture Department. Despite this, their use has become widespread, especially as growers seek to recover from the low yields of the previous year. The practice, however, remains deeply divisive. Few growers, as per media reports, have grown disillusioned with the results. They claim to have used growth regulators only to see early promise fade with premature fruit drop by mid-summer. They fear that regular application of these chemicals could eventually exhaust the trees, weakening their productivity in the long run. Many growers are now calling for research bodies and government departments to provide clear directions on the safe use of such substances. The current ambiguity, they say, leaves them caught between innovation and potential damage. Experts continue to urge caution, and warn that these chemicals are not suited for routine use in Kashmir’s temperate climate. Originally intended for specific conditions, such as pollination failure caused by weather, PGRs can do more harm than good under normal circumstances. They pointed out that they are not included in the official spray schedule, indicating the absence of institutional recommendation. According to experts, growth regulators force early fruit set, but the fruits often have underdeveloped seeds and drop prematurely. They also noted that excessive use stresses the trees, upsets nutrient uptake, and compromises fruit quality. The unintended consequence is not higher productivity, but fragile crops and long-term soil fatigue. First, regular and transparent testing of pesticides and fertilisers must be strengthened. Results should be made easily accessible to the farming community to ensure that only quality-assured products reach the market. Strict penalties for companies selling substandard inputs can act as a deterrent. Second, there is a pressing need for field-level awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the risks of using unapproved chemicals, especially growth regulators. Finally, the role of regulatory agencies must be expanded to ensure better monitoring of agro-chemical markets. Licensing of sellers, periodic inspection of storage and product quality, and a robust complaint redressal system can help protect farmers from misleading or harmful products.
Agro Alarm
