Fruit growers demand strict monitoring of fertilizers, pesticides
Call for quality checks as new diseases, pest threats emerge each year
Pulwama: As the upcoming fruit season approaches, growers across various horticulture belts have voiced serious concerns over the unchecked sale and use of fertilizers and pesticides, urging authorities to ensure strict quality control to safeguard crops and livelihoods.
Fruit growers say that with each passing year, new diseases and pest infestations are emerging, making farming increasingly unpredictable and costly.
Experts also point out that climate change and erratic weather patterns are accelerating the spread of unfamiliar pests and plant diseases, directly affecting fruit quality and yield.
Local growers expressed frustration over the rising incidence of diseases that were previously uncommon.
“Every season we are facing new diseases. Earlier, we knew how to handle pests, but now the situation has changed completely,” said Abdul Rashid, a fruit grower.
“Without proper guidance and quality pesticides, it becomes very difficult to save our orchards.”
Farmers said that many of the chemicals available in the market are either substandard or improperly labeled, which not only fails to control diseases but sometimes worsens the situation.
“We spend huge amounts on sprays, but if the product is fake or low quality, the entire crop is at risk,” said another grower.
“Authorities must ensure proper checking before the season begins,” he added.
The demand for stricter monitoring comes amid growing concerns over the sale of unauthorised and counterfeit crop protection products. Industry bodies have already flagged the unchecked availability of such pesticides, especially through informal and online channels, and called for stronger regulatory enforcement.
Experts warn that improper pesticide use and lack of regulation not only harm crops but also pose risks to human health and the environment. Studies indicate that gaps in monitoring and enforcement continue to allow unsafe practices to persist in the agricultural sector.
Horticulture experts highlight that changing climatic conditions are creating a favourable environment for pests and diseases to thrive.
Unseasonal rains, temperature fluctuations, and prolonged dry spells are contributing to the spread of infections and making traditional control methods less effective. In several fruit-growing regions, pest attacks have already impacted yield and quality, raising concerns among farmers ahead of the new season.
Fruit growers have urged the horticulture and agriculture departments to take proactive measures, including: Pre-season quality checks of fertilizers and pesticides, Crackdown on counterfeit and unregistered products, Awareness campaigns on proper pesticide use and timely advisory services for disease management
“If the government ensures genuine inputs and proper guidance, half of our problems will be solved,” said a group of growers.
“Otherwise, farmers will continue to suffer losses year after year,” they said.
Experts emphasize that ensuring disease-free planting material and adopting preventive strategies are key to tackling emerging threats in horticulture. Initiatives like clean plant programmes aim to reduce dependence on excessive pesticide use and improve long-term productivity.
