Spurious Fertilisers and Pesticides Crippling Kashmir’s Apple Sector, Alleges Waheed Parra : Valley Vision

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Parra has raised serious concerns about the unchecked sale of spurious fertilisers and pesticides, which he claims are wreaking havoc on Kashmir’s agriculture and horticulture industries. In a recent statement, Parra alleged that the government has allowed hundreds of companies to supply these products without following proper procedures, leaving the region’s farmers vulnerable to substandard chemicals.

“Corruption and negligence are destroying our backbone economy,” Parra stated in a tweet, pointing out that the unchecked influx of untested and unsafe agricultural products is contributing to the decline of the region’s vital sectors. He emphasized that the failure to conduct necessary testing, such as those required by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST), has allowed these products to proliferate without ensuring their quality or safety.

The PDP lawmaker also aimed at the Director of Enforcement, accusing the official of facilitating this “fertiliser mafia.” Parra alleged that despite the ongoing issues, the director has been receiving extensions and enabling corrupt practices instead of addressing the root causes of the problem. “The government must appoint an honest official to tackle this rampant corruption,” Parra urged, demanding an immediate investigation into the fake companies supplying substandard products and strict enforcement of proper procedures.

The agricultural and horticultural sectors are vital to Kashmir’s economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. However, Parra’s allegations suggest that the unchecked sale of spurious products is damaging crops, reducing yields, and eroding the trust of farmers in the system.