Apple growers in Kashmir are raising alarms due to the influx of substandard and misbranded pesticides. The Agriculture Department's Quality Control and Chemist Laboratories identified two misbranded pesticides: Indofil M-45, containing Mancozeb 75% WP, and CAPTAF, containing Captan 50% WP.
Farmers express concerns about crop vulnerability as the region's climate favors pest growth. Reports indicate an increase in pesticide and fertilizer outlets, heightening fears of unregulated products entering the market. Growers report that these inferior pesticides fail to protect orchards, threatening apple production.
Mohammad Shahbaz Dar, an apple grower and dealer, stated, "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."
Shahbaz emphasized the need for government intervention, citing annual losses due to substandard products. "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," he added.
Deputy Director of Enforcement, Feroz Ahmad Shapoo, mentioned intensified market inspections to curb substandard pesticide sales. He stated, "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."
Shapoo advised farmers to verify pesticide authenticity, recommending checks on seller licenses and obtaining purchase bills.
Source: The Kashmir Monitor