Horticulture dept stops sale of Carmel pesticide after growers complain of phytoxicity on apple trees

Srinagar, April 14: Orchardists in Sopore area of North Kashmir are up in arms against the authorties for allowing sale of  a substandard pesticide which led to phytoxicity effect on trees after spraying.

Apple growers from Zainageer area of Sopore informed KNS that, they sprayed a Carmel pesticide manufactured by Willowwood Crop Service Pvt. Ltd some days ago.

“Day after Spray, the treated orchards have shown phytoxicity on the apple trees sprayed with the fungicide”, they added.

They also said they informed the Horticulture department about the issue.

Director Horticulture and Baramulla district Horticulture Chief today visited the affected orchards and assured redressal of issue.

Orchardists seek investigation by Independent law enforcement agencies against the officials who allowed the sale of Carmel pesticide.

Speaking to KNS, Director Horticulture, Ajaz Ahmed Bhat said, ”  we received information from Brath Kalan area of District Baramulla that after spraying of combo fungicide with active ingredients of carbendazim and Mancozeb under trade name of Carmel manufactured by Willow Wood Crop Science Company, the treated orchards have shown phytoxicity on the apple trees treated with the fungicide.”

He added that he visited the area alongwith Chief Horticulture officer Baramulla and other field officers of the Department.

“The fungicide marketed by Retailers were inspected by the team on spot and samples were drawn instantly for its analysis. Chief Horticulture officer Baramulla was instructed that he will ensure that the said fungicide  shall be put on stop sale and further verification will be conducted in the field so that in case any unwarranted activity is found onspot the culprits involved in such cases will be booked as per the regulation of law,” he said.

Further all Chief Horticulture officers of Kashmir Division are put on alert so that they will maintain the regulation of fungicides/pesticides in their jurisdiction as per the Insecticide Act, he told KNS.