J&K Guv for checking spurious chemicals sold to farmers

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has directed officials to check the sale of spurious fertilizers and chemicals to farmers in the state.
"The enforcement wings of the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and other allied departments should work closely and keep effective check to ensure against spurious fertilizers and chemicals sold to the farmers.
"The enforcement wings shall be held responsible if there is any default," Vohra said during a review meeting at the Shalimar campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir here yesterday.
The Agriculture department must ensure hassle-free services to the farmers and fruit growers across the state and keep a check on rates, quality and availability of the inputs required by the agriculture and horticulture sectors, Vohra said.

Regarding the soil and pesticide testing facilities, the Governor asked his Advisor Khursheed Ahmad Ganai to ensure that the required funds to make the SKUAST-K Laboratory fully functional were immediately released within the next few days.
The Governor stressed the importance of high density apple plant nurseries being set up in the Valley to increase horticulture produce and uplift of the state's economy.

He also called for planned initiatives for creating awareness about various schemes and latest techniques in agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The Governor inaugurated a two-day technological exhibition cum seed mela, organized by the University to promote and propagate the adaption of improved farming systems in the Valley.

He stressed the need to reduce the distance between the laboratory and the fields so that every farmer is benefited.
The farmers should be encouraged to adopt the latest technologies, the Governor said adding there is a need to promote organic farming as it will benefit the farmers as well as improve the state's environment.
The development of agriculture sector will benefit over 60 per cent of the state's population and usher in a new era of progress, Vohra added.