Navin Choudhury seeks advance procurement of supplies 

BK News

Srinagar, Nov 27: To curb the menace of spurious pesticides and fungicides, J&K Government will set up testing laboratories for quality checks of the chemicals used for the prevention of plant diseases, like apple scab.

The decision was taken during a meeting held to review the quality of pesticides being provided to farmers, according to an official spokesperson.

The meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Departments, Navin Kumar Choudhury and was attended by Director Horticulture, Director Agriculture, Director Enforcement and other officers.

The meeting discussed public complaints regarding the supply of substandard pesticides and fungicides to the orchardists and farmers that is believed to be the reason for scab disease which affected the quality of apple and its production.

During the meeting, it was decided that testing laboratories certified by NABL shall be established to check the quality of pesticides being imported and supplied to farmers. Moreover, the upgradation of existing labs was also discussed.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary directed officers that procurement of pesticides should be done in advance so that testing of pesticides and results could be made available in time.

Earlier, Principal Secretary held a meeting, regarding Poultry and Spice processing enterprises, with the unitholders.

The meeting was attended by Director Animal Husbandry, Director Industries and Commerce, poultry farm and processing entrepreneurs besides spice unitholders.

The meeting held a threadbare discussion on the issues pertaining to the poultry industry and its promotion.