J&K govt to form State Pesticides Regularity Authority

The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to constitute State Pesticides Regularity Authority to curb the use of spurious pesticides which cause immense harm to fruit production and its quality.
The decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting of Horticulture and allied Departments held under the chairmanship of Minister for Horticulture Abdul Rehman Veeri here today, an official spokesman said.
In this regard, the Minister directed for constitution of a core committee for formulation of guidelines of the Authority with the advice of Law Department.
Sharing concerns over alleged sale of spurious pesticides, Veeri said the government shall enact stringent laws to check this menace to safeguard horticulture industry from further damage.

He directed both agriculture universities of the state to prescribe scientifically proven standard pesticides and fungicides to the fruit growers and farmers well in advance of the spray season so that they are not fleeced by unscrupulous pesticide traders.
"Horticulture is the mainstay of the state's economy and all efforts should be made to promote this vital sector," Veeri said.
In a competitive era, quality control is must and we have to focus on this vital area to maintain the credibility of state's horticulture produce, he added.
The Minister said that horticulture industry has given sustenance to the people of the state in most difficult times and nobody will be allowed to destroy this vital sector of the state's economy.