- Says Kashmir’s apple industry in crisis
JAMMU: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Legislative Party leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra on Monday has raised serious concerns over the rampant use of substandard pesticides, which he claims are wreaking havoc on Kashmir’s farmers and its crucial apple industry. He urged the government to take immediate action by establishing an Enforcement Directorate within the Horticulture Department to enforce strict quality control measures and curb the sale of inferior agricultural chemicals.
Speaking during the grants discussion for the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, Parra emphasized the massive losses in crop yield and quality, particularly in the apple sector—the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. He warned that if the issue remains unaddressed, it could lead to severe economic distress for thousands of farming families dependent on horticulture.
Parra called for a comprehensive regulatory framework to monitor pesticide quality and hold accountable those involved in selling substandard chemicals. He also emphasized the need for farmer education programs on safe and effective pesticide usage, ensuring that growers are not misled by counterfeit or harmful products.
He urged the government to introduce farmer-centric policies that ensure access to high-quality agricultural inputs, promote sustainable farming practices, and implement fair pricing mechanisms to protect farmers from market exploitation. Calling for long-term solutions, Parra stressed the urgency of strengthening Kashmir’s farming community, ensuring their livelihoods, economic security, and the sustainability of the region’s agricultural industry.
He stated that the government must act swiftly to safeguard Kashmir’s farmers from this crisis, warning that without stringent regulations and proactive interventions, the backbone of the rural economy—the horticulture sector—faces an uncertain future.
