Shopian, Jul 02 (KNO): Agriculture Minister Javid Dar on Thursday said the government will take strict action if any negligence or use of substandard agricultural inputs is found responsible for the reported fruit fall in orchards. He said the decisions will be based on the findings of expert teams currently investigating the matter.
Speaking to reporters here, the minister said the government acted immediately after receiving reports of premature fruit drop from several orchards.
"High-level teams from the agriculture and horticulture departments were rushed to the affected areas to assess the situation on the ground," Dar said, adding that a team of experts from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has also been deputed to scientifically examine the orchards and determine the exact cause of the fruit fall.
"I even met the affected families along with the concerned MLA and have assured them all possible help in this regard," he added.
The minister said the government is taking the issue very seriously. "Teams from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments have already visited the affected areas, while experts from SKUAST have been asked to investigate the reasons behind the fruit fall. Appropriate action will be taken once the official report is received," he said.
Allegations by some orchardists have surfaced in Shopian after fruit fall and drying up of orchards that the damage could be due to the use of spurious or substandard fertilisers and agrochemicals. However, the minister said no conclusions would be drawn until the expert investigation is completed.
Dar said the Enforcement Wing of the Agriculture Department has been directed to intensify inspections of shops dealing in fungicides, pesticides and other agricultural inputs across the region.
"The enforcement teams are on high alert and have been instructed to thoroughly check the sale of fungicides and pesticides. Anyone found involved in selling substandard products or any kind of negligence will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law," he said.
Responding to concerns regarding the shortage of Block Development Officers (BDOs) in several areas, the minister explained that the shortage arose after a number of BDOs were transferred while others were promoted to higher positions. He assured that the government is actively working to fill the vacancies. "Efforts are underway to ensure that every block has a Block Development Officer so that developmental works and public welfare schemes are implemented effectively without delays," he said.
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring accountability in the agriculture sector, assuring orchardists that all necessary measures would be taken once the investigation establishes the cause of the fruit damage—(KNO)