Srinagar, March 19: Substandard and misbranded pesticides are ruining the horticulture industry in Kashmir.
Waking up to the crisis, apple growers have sent SOS to the government to stem the rot. Their concerns stem from the fact that Kashmir is witnessing a huge influx of substandard and misbranded pesticides and insecticides.
Quality Control and Chemist Laboratories of the Agriculture Department recently discovered that two widely used pesticides, Indofil M-45 (which contains Mancozeb 75% WP as its active ingredient) and CAPTAF (which contains Captan 50% WP as its active ingredient), were misbranded.
Farmers are worried that these ineffective products could leave their crops vulnerable to pest infestations, as the valley’s climate creates ideal conditions for pest growth.
According to information received by The Kashmir Monitor, there has been a sharp rise in pesticide and fertilizer outlets across the region, raising fears that unregulated products may be making their way into the market.
Growers complained that the use of these inferior pesticides has failed to protect their orchards, jeopardizing apple production at a crucial time.
“We have witnessed the impacts of substandard pesticides and fertilizers over the years. Our crop quality has declined and trees too are infested by diseases. It is high time for the government to act tough against the sellers and ensure the flow of genuine pesticides,” said Mohammad Shahbaz Dar, an apple grower and dealer.
He said the growers and dealers have been approaching the authorities every year to curb the sale and flow of substandard pesticides. “We demand the government to implement strict policies as the substandard pesticide mafia is active within the valley. Every year we witnessed a huge loss to the apple crop due to the substandard pesticides,” Shahbaz said.
Deputy Director of Enforcement, Feroz Ahmad Shapoo, told The Kashmir Monitor that authorities have intensified market inspections to curb the sale of substandard pesticides and fertilizers. He assured that measures are being taken to cut off the supply of such products at the source.
“We conduct the sampling of the registered pesticide brands to confirm their quality. Our officials are working at district levels to ensure the flow of quality pesticides and fertilizers,” he said.
Shapoo also advised farmers to verify the authenticity of the pesticides they purchase. “Growers should always check the seller’s license and insist on a bill when buying pesticides and fertilizers to ensure they are purchasing genuine products,” he said.