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Kashmir apple growers alarmed by misbranded pesticides, demand stricter enforcement

Apple growers in Kashmir are expressing concerns over the influx of misbranded pesticides and insecticides in the horticulture market as the farming season begins. The Agriculture Department's Quality Control and Chemist Laboratories recently identified two commonly used pesticides, Indofil M-45 with Mancozeb 75% WP and CAPTAF with Captan 50% WP, as misbranded. These batches were seized under the Insecticides Act, of 1968.

Apple cultivation in Kashmir spans nearly 400,000 hectares, yielding 2–2.5 million metric tonnes annually and contributing 10% to the region's economy. The sector supports over 3.5 million individuals. Orchardists have long reported issues with substandard pesticides, which fail to protect crops from pests like codling moths, leaf miners, mites, and aphids, as noted in the International Journal of Agriculture and Animal Production.

Despite various pest management strategies, chemical control remains prevalent. However, growers claim substandard chemicals adversely affect production. The Horticulture Department, alongside Sher-e-Kashmir University, provides seasonal alerts and guidelines. Deputy Director of Enforcement, Feroz Ahmad Shapoo, stated that misbranded products are seized due to their ineffectiveness.

Growers, including Abdul Bari from Shopian, criticize government testing and enforcement as ineffective, citing market saturation with substandard products. Zahoor Ahmad, president of the Apple Federation of Jammu and Kashmir, described official checks as inadequate and lacking accountability for dealers and companies.

Director Law Enforcement J&K Balbir Singh emphasized the commitment to protecting farmers, while Joint Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah stressed enforcing regulations. Zahoor Ahmad called for continuous and rigorous monitoring beyond mere publicity.

Source: EtvBharat