Kashmir’s agriculture sector on the brink: Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Oct 17: PDP Youth President and MLA Pulwama Waheed- Ur- Rehman Parra, on Thursday, expressed serious concerns over the rampant sale of spurious fertilisers and pesticides in Kashmir valley.

In a statement, he alleged that these harmful products are devastating the region's agriculture and horticulture sectors. Parra accused the government of permitting hundreds of companies to supply these substandard chemicals without adhering to proper regulatory procedures, thereby exposing local farmers to significant risks.

The PDP leader called for urgent intervention to address the crisis in Kashmir's agriculture and horticulture sectors. He warned that unchecked corruption and the proliferation of spurious fertilisers and pesticides are threatening the livelihoods of farmers who rely solely on agricultural lands, with little government support.

"Corruption and negligence are destroying the backbone of our economy. The government's inaction is allowing this mafia to thrive at the expense of our farmers. I urge the government to investigate the fake companies, and ensure that all agricultural inputs follow proper testing procedures at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST),”he said.

He emphasised that over the past five years, more than 300 companies have flooded the market with unregulated products, bypassing crucial safeguards. This has led to significant crop losses, soil degradation, and declining quality in essential sectors such as apples, saffron, and rice. "The unchecked sale of spurious fertilisers and pesticides is crippling our agriculture and horticulture. The number of companies willing to sell fake pesticides, insecticides, and agrochemicals is increasing daily, endangering the future of our farming community," Parra said.

The PDP leader called on the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor to take immediate steps by appointing a nodal officer to enforce strict regulations, oversee a thorough investigation into these fake companies, and implement a comprehensive crackdown on the illegal trade. "We need proper scrutiny and assessment of all agricultural inputs to protect our crops and ensure they meet safety standards. This must be done to save the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the region," he added.