Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 13: The President of Sopore Fruit Growers Association, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, today urged the authorities to curb the sale of substandard fertilisers and pesticides while demanding strict action against vendors involved in this unscrupulous trade.
Addressing a press conference in Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Malik emphasised the need for decisive measures similar to those taken against drug dealers. “We have been repeatedly emphasising the necessity to halt the influx of substandard pesticides and fertilisers and impose strict penalties on those involved in this unscrupulous trade,” he said.
Malik stressed the urgency of implementing measures to control substandard pesticides, especially as the current spraying season has commenced. “Despite seizing substandard fertilisers in both South and North Kashmir, no significant action has been taken against them. We have also been advising growers against excessive fertiliser usage, which is detrimental to crops,” he said.
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Highlighting the presence of substandard organic fertilisers in the market, Malik reiterated the need for stringent action. “I urge growers to procure fertilisers from registered dealers and demand proper bills for accountability in cases of subpar products. The proliferation of pesticide shops across the valley necessitates government oversight,” he said.
Malik further encouraged growers to utilise organic manure to preserve orchards passed down by previous generations. “Failure to do so risks damaging our economy,” he said.
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