Lab clears all pesticide samples, but apple growers stay sceptical

As many as 1,058 samples of insecticides and fungicides have been tested in the State Pesticide Testing Laboratory in Shimla over the last three years and none of the samples has been found sub-standard or spurious. The information tabled by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi in Vidhan Sabha has come as a surprise to apple growers as many of them have been suspecting the efficacy of fungicides and insecticides being sold in the market following the incidence of rampant fungal diseases over the last few years.

“Orchardists have not been able to control the fungal diseases over the last few years. Pre-mature leaf fall has become rampant. So, it puts a doubt in our minds about the efficacy of the pesticides,” said Harish Chauhan. Pointing out that the scientists and growers were able to control a dreadful disease like scab in the 1980s, Chauhan asked why the diseases had become almost uncontrollable now when the science and technology had progressed so much.

Hari Chand Roach, one of the pioneers in apple cultivation, says the presence of spurious and duplicate pesticides can’t be ruled out. “The fungicides and insecticides need to be sold like life-saving drugs on the prescription of experts. Everyone selling these pesticides should have valid licence and qualification and the seller should provide proper bills to the buyer. Currently, the majority of sellers do not give bills and most growers do not bother to ask for it,” said Roach. He further pointed out that the majority of growers have little idea about the pesticides. “The department should raise awareness among the growers on this front,” Roach said.

As per the assessment report on disease severity in apple by the University of Horticulture and Forestry, there are several reasons for the increased diseases in orchards. It includes indiscriminate mixing of chemicals, excessive spray applications, unbalanced fertiliser use and favourable climatic conditions for the spread of diseases.

A Horticulture Department official said growers should never buy fungicide or insecticide without a proper bill. “If the product turns out to be spurious, the department can take actions if the grower has a bill,” he said. “Besides, the growers should thoroughly follow the recommendations of the university and the department to get the best possible results,” he stressed.