Kashmir Orchardists Warned As Govt Finds Pesticides Misbranded

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
A farmer sprays chemical on apple trees in North Kashmir. KO file Photo: Abid Bhat

By Tashir Khan
Srinagar- The government of Jammu and Kashmir has warned orchardists after two commonly used pesticides were found to be misbranded in consecutive quality control tests, leading authorities to seize these products from the market.

On Wednesday, the Agriculture Department's Quality Control Laboratory declared Indofil M-45, a commonly used pesticide for apple orchards, as misbranded. This pesticide, which contains Mancozeb 75% WP as its active ingredient, was produced by Indofil Industries Limited on December 13, 2024, and has an expiry date of December 12, 2026.

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A day later, the department identified another pesticide, CAPTAF, which contains 50% WP Captan, as misbranded. Manufactured by Rallis India Ltd. on November 4, 2024, it has an expiry date of November 3, 2026, and the product was also ordered for seizure.

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Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Feroz Ahmad Shapoo instructed field officers to stop selling and confiscate all stocks of misbranded pesticides in accordance with the Insecticides Act of 1968.

As the horticulture season in Kashmir begins next month, farmers are expressing concerns about the quality control of pesticides. This region contributes nearly 70% of India's total apple production, generating an annual revenue of approximately ₹26-27 crore, making effective pesticide use crucial.

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However, orchardists believe that the government's response to these concerns is inadequate compared to the support provided to farmers in states like Himachal Pradesh and in some European countries.

“The government collects pesticide samples in April, but it takes almost a year to get the results back. What should take 10 to 15 days ends up taking months, leaving farmers exposed to ineffective pesticides,” said Abdul Rehman Dar, General Secretary of the Fruit Growers Association in Ganderbal.

Farmers usually start pesticide spraying between March 1 and March 20, depending on the temperature. The use of substandard pesticides can have devastating effects on crops. As Dar explained,“Just as giving the wrong medicine to a human can lead to complications, using ineffective pesticides can cause irreparable damage to plants. Diseases such as scab and Alternaria cannot be cured if ineffective pesticides are applied.”

Another challenge he pointed out is the lack of awareness among farmers.“Not every farmer is literate; some can't even read the label to understand what type of pesticide they are using,” Dar emphasized, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and improved education initiatives.

“Misbranded refers to pesticides that contain a lower quantity of active ingredients, making them ineffective for controlling diseases. Therefore, farmers are advised not to use such products,” Shapoo stated in an interview with a local news outlet.

According to the Insecticides Act of 1968, a pesticide is considered misbranded if it has misleading or incomplete labelling, exhibits toxicity levels exceeding prescribed limits, or does not match the claimed chemical composition.

Farmers are now urging authorities to expand testing to include other pesticide brands in order to ensure product quality and prevent economic losses.

“Our government must take this matter seriously. Farmers rely on these pesticides to protect their crops, and using ineffective products jeopardizes their livelihoods,” Dar said.

“This year, we have accomplished a significant amount. We have seized approximately 31.105 metric tons and 6,442.75 Liters of pesticides, as well as 196 metric tons of fertilizers from various companies in Kashmir.” Shapoo stated,“This process will continue, and the Minister of Agriculture in J&K has also created a task force to address these issues.”

As enforcement officers continue to seize misbranded pesticide stocks, orchardists hope the government will take stronger measures to prevent such products from entering the market.

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