KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Former Member of Parliament and National Conference politician Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri Saturday said that the Kashmir valley is facing scarcity of tree spray oil which “has been created by selective action against two popular brands”.

“Some of the brands available in market are now selling in black market. I’m given to understand that the targeted brands too have applied for licence to the competent authority (Central Insecticides Board) like the brands that are available in the market. The Board due to some technicality has not been able issue or deny the licence to any of the applicants,” Ratanpuri said in a statement to KNS.

The statement gains significance given the on-going season for spraying of oil on apple and other fruit orchards in the Valley.

The NC leader said that last year in a similar situation the High Court intervened and directed the government to allow the sale of all such spray oils where request for licence was made but, it has not been granted and not even denied.

“In spite of this order having been implemented last year in letter and spirit, some officials of the Agriculture Department chose to stop the sale of a particular popular brand thus creating scarcity and an opportunity of profiteering for some,” he said.

“I hope the Advisor to Governor, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai will intervene to ensure that the farmers get the product of their choice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Law Enforcement wing of Department of Agriculture Kashmir today took stock availability of various tree spray oils being distributed in various districts of Valley.

During the inspection in District Pulwama and Shopian, the team headed by District Law Enforcement Officer Islamabad and Pulwama inspected the main Go-downs of Manufacturing Companies of Bharat Petroleum Co-operation Ltd & Hindustan Petroleum Co-corporation Ltd at Sempora & Gallandar Pampore & directed them to make available the quality products of various T.S.O on affordable prices.

The team was informed that the two Manufacturing Companies have already made available 955210 litres of (Mak) & 1600910 litres of (HP) to various distributors and dealers in valley for further distribution to orchardists.

During inspection of the teams found M/S Bhat Pesticides court road Pulwama; M/S Khan Pesticides Pulwama; M/s Dar Agro Chemicals Bas stand Pulwama; M/S Dar Agro Chemicals Pulwama, M/S Wani Pesticides Mazhama Shopian; M/S Rahat Agro Main market Shopian and M/S Gulshan Agri India Shopian indulging in un-authorized sale and distribution of various products of T.S.O. in contravention of Insecticides Act, 1968 and Rules made there under. A quantity of 36060 litres of T.S.O. of different makes was put under sale stop orders.

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