SHOPIAN: Come spring and farmers in Kashmir begin the spraying of pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides, besides mixing the soil with chemical fertilisers, in expectation of a bumper crop and to keep plant diseases at bay. Very few of them, however, take safety measures to save themselves from the toxic effect of these sprays and chemicals.
Experts say that it would be unrealistic to expect farmers to stop using toxic sprays and fertilisers, as without these there would be less production. What farmers can do is protect themselves by using safety gear and keeping away children, elderly people, pregnant ladies, and those who have any kind of ailment, from the sprays and fertilisers.
Gastroenterologist Dr MS Khuroo told Kashmir Reader that the excessive use of fertilisers and sprays in horticulture is among the reasons for growing incidence of cancer in Kashmir.
“People must take safety measures, like gloves, spectacles, head cover, and other things to avoid the immediate damage caused by use of sprays and fertilisers,” Dr Khuroo said.
Doctors believe that inhaling fungicides and insecticides is also among the reasons why Kashmir is witnessing an alarming rise in cases of impotency. Dr Shafiat Hussain, assistant professor at Government Medical College Srinagar, said that people should not throw the used packets of fertilisers and sprays near water bodies or in the open.
“Throwing these things in the open adds to the pollution of water bodies and that is the reason why we don’t see the beneficial insects in our surroundings,” he said.
He said that it because of people avoiding safety measures, many diseases have been caused by sprays and fertilisers and have taken heavy toll of lives and health in Kashmir. “The safety gear does not cost a lot, not even one percent of the amount which people spend on buying the sprays and fertilisers.
So, people should not worry about expenses and adopt all safety measures available,” he said.
Dr Khuroo said that besides safety measures, people should not pick apple or any other fruit if it had been sprayed some days ago. “They should wait for some days before picking the fruit and then wash it thoroughly as the surface contains many particles of the sprays,” he advised.
Dr Hussain warned that inhaling of insecticides causes neurological disorders and sometimes can be fatal. “When pregnant ladies are exposed to these sprays, it leads to problems both for the unborn child and the mother. Pregnant women and children should be kept away from exposure to these chemicals and also to the fruits,” he added.
Horticulture experts say that people who are growing fruit trees for domestic purposes should not use chemicals but should maintain the soil cycle through organic farming.
Javid Ahmad, a senior employee at the horticulture department, said that many people in Kashmir grow fruit trees in their lawns as a hobby or for domestic consumption. Such people should avoid sprays to the most extent, he said.
“By doing so, they can get fresh fruit without any toxic content,” Ahmad said.
Dr Tariq Rasool, senior SKAUST scientist posted at KVK Balpora Shopian, said that there are some chemicals allowed in organic farming that are called ‘greener chemicals’, like sulphur, copper, and potassium bicarbonate. These chemicals have less toxic elements, he said.
“Besides these chemicals, people can use home-made manures for fruit growing for domestic purposes,” he said.

Raashid Hassan