Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 18: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today said that the Government will bring a bill to form a law for penalizing the use of artificial coloring in fruits.
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Stating that the practice is harming the horticulture industry, Dar said he has raised the issue with the concerned stakeholders, urging them not to allow such fruits into mandis.
“There is an issue of coloring of fruits, and the complaint is with the department. It was also brought to notice during a recent buyer-seller meeting. I have asked the department to tell people not to use coloring,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating a Kisan Mela-cum-Exhibition at Dak Bungalow here, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Baramulla.
“I have asked the concerned stakeholders not to allow such fruit into the mandi that comes before the season, if these are not early varieties. For such practices, we will impose penalties and ensure a law is introduced to curb them,” Dar said.
He added that the Government is also working to tackle the issue of spurious fertilizers and pesticides.
“I believe-and the department also agrees-that many fertilizers and pesticides are spurious. We are working to establish a system at Lakhanpur to check and test these products,” he said.
Dar said that last year in the Assembly, it was announced that an enforcement wing would be created to ensure the quality of fertilizers and pesticides. “There is an issue of manpower, but we are in the process of finalizing it,” he added.
The Minister also said that growers have a responsibility to act responsibly.
“The fruit that should be ready by September is harvested in August and then colored. That brings disrepute to J&K,” he said.
He noted that such fruits have a shorter shelf life and can make consumers sick. “In the long run, this practice is damaging the industry and driving away customers,” he said.
Addressing the mela, Dar said that the Kisan Mela serves as a unique platform to connect farmers, agri-experts, agri-entrepreneurs, and institutions, showcasing modern technologies, Government schemes, and success stories aimed at empowering the farming community.
He added that the event also displayed improved crop varieties and animal breeds, advanced farm machinery, innovative technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance crop yields.
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