Shopian apple growers allege denial of meeting with CM

Farmers seek compensation, probe into alleged fake fungicides

MLA says fruit growers' delegations met Omar Abdullah

Shopian, July 2: Hundreds of apple growers gathered outside the Mini Secretariat in Shopian on Thursday seeking to meet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the ongoing fruit drop crisis but alleged they were stopped from entering the Deputy Commissioner's office complex. 

The growers said they wanted to apprise the Chief Minister of the large-scale premature fruit drop that has damaged orchards and caused heavy financial losses. Many alleged the crisis began after the use of fake or substandard fungicides containing Mancozeb.

"We had come to request the Chief Minister to provide compensation and take strict action against those responsible for selling fake chemicals," said Nadeem Ahmad Malik, an apple grower. Another farmer, Ather Hussain, said he had been waiting outside the secretariat since morning but was not allowed to meet the Chief Minister.

The growers appealed to the government to order a high-level inquiry into the alleged sale of counterfeit fungicides, compensate affected orchardists and initiate strict action against those found responsible for supplying substandard pesticides.

Responding to the allegations, MLA Zainpora Showkat Hussain Ganai denied that fruit growers were prevented from raising the issue with the Chief Minister. He said multiple delegations representing the fruit industry met Omar Abdullah during the official review meeting as well as at the Aglar Fruit Mandi and discussed the crisis in detail.

Ganai said the Chief Minister assured the delegations that those involved in distributing or selling counterfeit pesticides would face strict legal action. He added that Cabinet Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar had already directed senior Horticulture Department officials to conduct field visits, assess the damage and hear the grievances of affected growers. Ganai said he also accompanied the Director of Horticulture and the Enforcement Wing during inspections to ensure prompt assessment and accountability.