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Srinagar, Oct 18 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said strict action will be initiated against those involved in the use of artificial colors and substandard pesticides on fruit crops, especially apples, in the valley.
Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperation and Elections departments, Javeed Ahmed Dar, said strict action would be initiated against those involved in the use of artificial colors and substandard pesticides in fruit crops, calling the practice harmful for both the industry and consumers.
Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, the minister said the government is finalizing the process of creating a dedicated enforcement wing to regulate fertilizers and pesticides.
“Many fertilizers and pesticides are of poor quality. We are strengthening enforcement to identify violators and take action against them. There have been complaints from buyers in Delhi, Jammu and Kolkata about Kashmir apples being artificially colored before ripening,” he said.
“Such coloring harms the quality and reputation of the fruit. It reduces the shelf life and can lead to disease. We have directed that colored apples should not be allowed in the fruit markets,” he said.
He warned that traders and growers who bring colored fruits to the markets before the season will be fined.
“If an apple variety normally ripens in September but hits the market in August, it shows artificial colour, which indicates malpractice. This should stop,” he said.
On pest control, he said that illegal importation of rootstocks without quarantine checks had made the “leaf miner” pest problem worse.
“Some people bring in rootstocks through black marketing. We have identified them and strict action will be taken,” he said.
He also said that the government will not arbitrarily ban licenses, but will ensure compliance with safety standards.
He said, “We are a progressive state. We cannot stop trade, but we will not allow licenses to be misused. The government is preparing a plan to decongest and expand the Sopore fruit market. The Housing, R&B, Planning and Power departments will jointly develop a comprehensive plan to improve transport flow and expand the market.”
He confirmed that the Doabgah government juice plant is operational and was outsourced to a private operator three years ago.
“It continues to operate under private management,” the minister confirmed.
Unprecedented floods following prolonged drought led to closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway, causing massive damage to the apple crop in the valley, resulting in all-time low prices of the fruit for growers and traders.
–IANS
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