Growers seek compensation as orchard losses mount
Shopian, June 19: The crisis over premature fruit drop in South Kashmir’s Shopian district has intensified, with more apple growers from several villages reporting extensive damage to orchards allegedly after spraying a fungicide containing Mancozeb.
As concerns mount across Kashmir’s key horticulture sector, the Enforcement Wing has initiated legal proceedings against two pesticide dealers in the District Court Shopian under provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968.
Initially confined to Sugoo, Sugu Handhama and Kachdoora villages, complaints have now emerged from adjoining areas, with orchardists claiming that fruit began dropping within days of using the chemical.
Altaf Hussain, an affected grower, said large quantities of apples fell from trees shortly after the fungicide was sprayed.
“This is our yearly income. I informed the Horticulture Department and was asked to report the damage so the affected orchards could be assessed,” he said.
The incident has also triggered political reactions, with demands for accountability and urgent intervention.
Senior Congress leader Advocate Owais Ah Khan termed the situation serious and alleged irregularities in the pesticide market affecting growers.
He urged authorities to take immediate corrective measures, compensate affected farmers and prevent further distribution of the suspected chemical.
A senior Enforcement Wing official in South Kashmir said complaints were continuing to emerge from additional villages and legal action had been initiated to protect the interests of orchardists.
“Based on preliminary findings, we have approached the District Court Shopian seeking sanction for prosecution against two local dealers under the relevant provisions of the Insecticides Act,” the official said.
The official added that action would also be taken against any company or dealer found responsible for losses suffered by farmers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Horticulture has asked affected growers to formally report losses to block and district offices so that expert teams can inspect orchards and suggest measures to protect the remaining crop.
