JAMMU, Dec 28: Minister for Horticulture, Hajj and Auqaf Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri today directed the concerned agencies to ensure availability of quality tree spray oils in the market by the first week of February so that fruit growers do not face any inconvenience for want of spray oil, being sprayed in the orchards in the month of March.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting of officers of Horticulture department, representatives of Oil Companies and fruit growers.
Mr. Veeri said, “Timely supply of standard tree spray oils to fruit growers at uniform rate is prime concern of our Government.”He said there would be no compromise on the standard of the oils and the department has activated all its functionaries, particularly the Enforcement Wing to keep a check on the quality and prices of these oils.
The Minister directed representatives of oil companies to fulfill all requisite formalities with the concerned quarters in time adding that Government will not allow any unregistered company to enter the market for ensuring availability of quality Horticulture Mineral Oils (HMO) to the farmers.
However keeping in view the requirement of these tree oils, three companies viz. HPCL, IOCL and BPCL, are being allowed to keep a stock in the valley during this season so that fruit growers do not feel any difficulty for want of timely availability of spray oils, the Minister informed.
During the deliberation, Mr. Veeri heard patiently the views of the representatives of fruit growers and oil companies. While directing the oil companies to ensure availability of spray oils at every corner of the valley while maintaining requisite standards and uniformity of rates, the Minister also urged the fruit growers to come forward and co operate with the Government. He asked the fruit growers to bring to the notice of concerned authorities if any dealer is found selling substandard spray oils, pesticides or fungicides.
Mr. Veeri said two laboratories, one each in Srinagar and Jammu shall be established soon to check quality and standard of pesticides and fungicides available in the state.
Earlier, Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Mr. M. A. Bukhari apprised the Minister about the progress regarding registration of oil companies and measures for making spray oils available to the fruit growers in adequate quantities.
Mr. Veeri also directed the concerned agencies to launch massive publicity drive so that fruit growers would be properly informed about the benefits of spray oils.
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