Shopian, June 16: The recovery of suspected sub-standard pesticides and fungicides from multiple locations in south Kashmir’s Shopian district has sparked outrage among farmers and civil society groups, who allege that poor-quality agricultural chemicals have caused extensive damage to orchards and crops, pushing hundreds of growers towards severe financial distress.
The controversy surfaced after officials from the Enforcement Wing of the Agriculture Department conducted inspections at several locations, including Memander and Kachdoora, leading to the seizure of suspected sub-standard pesticides and fungicides. Departmental authorities have initiated action against a number of dealers, while licenses of some traders have reportedly been seized pending further investigation.
Officials have maintained that strict legal action will be taken against those found involved in the sale and distribution of fake or sub-standard agricultural products.
The development has triggered widespread concern among farmers, particularly in the Sugoo and Kachdoora belts, where growers claim they have suffered devastating losses after using the allegedly inferior products.
Several orchardists alleged that up to 95 percent of crops and orchards in some affected areas have suffered damage, dealing a severe blow to families dependent on horticulture for their livelihood.
“This is nothing less than an axe on our belly,” said a distressed farmer, reflecting the frustration among growers. Farmers said they had already endured repeated weather-related setbacks, including storms, strong winds and erratic climatic conditions, before being confronted with losses allegedly caused by ineffective pesticides and fungicides.
According to growers, substantial amounts were spent on sprays and crop protection measures to safeguard orchards against pests and diseases. However, instead of protecting their produce, the products allegedly failed to deliver results, leaving farmers uncertain about the fate of their harvest.
The crisis has emerged at a time when Shopian’s horticulture sector is already under pressure from rising cultivation costs, outstanding agricultural loans and weather-induced crop damage. Farmers argued that the cumulative burden has become unbearable, particularly when issues relating to compensation and loan relief remain unresolved.
Agriculture Department officials said enforcement teams are actively working to curb the circulation of fake and sub-standard pesticides in the market. They assured growers that market inspections, sample collection and laboratory testing would continue to ensure only quality products are made available to farmers.
Sources within the traders’ community said that more than 700 pesticide dealers are registered with the association across the district and adjoining areas. Following the recent seizures, notices have reportedly been served to dealers found stocking or selling suspected sub-standard products. Further action, officials said, will depend on laboratory examination reports and findings of departmental investigations.
The issue has also drawn strong reactions from civil society members, who described the alleged sale of fake agricultural chemicals as a direct threat to Shopian’s horticulture economy. They urged Deputy Commissioner Shopian to personally intervene, ensure a transparent investigation and provide immediate relief to affected farmers. [KNT]
