Srinagar February 12(KNS) In order to avert any crises in upcoming season, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (KAS) today chaired a meeting in his Office chambers to discuss the issues regarding availability/sale of pesticides including Horticulture Mineral Oil in Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by all Chief Horticulture Officers, Horticulture Development Officers, President Pesticide Dealers Association, President Fruit Association Parimpora/Sopore/Shopian. During the meeting, Director Horticulture impressed upon the concerned Officers that strict watch on the pesticide traders will be maintained to curb the practices of selling spurious/substandard pesticides as per the provisions of law. Director Horticulture urged the orchardists to report any unscrupulous elements dealing with the unethical trade to the authorities through telephone or written complaint which will be duly examined for appropriate action. He reiterated that tough action will be taken against the traders found selling misbranded products and impressed upon all that in event of getting any update regarding the reports about of sale of spurious/misbranded pesticides by some unscrupulous elements, immediate action as warranted be initiated against these elements as Horticulture Development Officers have been designated as Insecticide Inspectors and vested with the powers under the Insecticide Act. During the deliberations, representatives of Fruit Growers Association and Pesticide Dealers Association requested that they shall be given grace period for sale/stock of the Horticulture Mineral Oil within relaxation of CIB registration and shall be considered for the availability of only remedial measures available at present. The Director assured the representatives that the matter will be taken up with the Administrative Department for accord of necessary approval thereof. Besides, Director made it clear that all the companies associated with manufacturing of Horticulture Mineral Oil shall speedup for registration of their wproducts with Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC).(KNS)