As Kashmir orchardists turn to unapproved growth regulators, health and environmental concerns rise

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Orchardists across Kashmir are increasingly turning to plant growth regulators (PGRs) in hopes of improving fruit set in their apple orchards—despite these chemicals lacking official approval or scientific endorsement from either the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) or the Department of Horticulture.

As spring returns to the valley, farmers are spending crores of rupees spraying growth regulators across thousands of acres of orchards. Many believe these synthetic hormones promote better fruit formation and higher yields. Yet, amid this growing trend, voices of caution persist among seasoned growers and horticultural scientists.

“There are more than two brands of growth regulators currently available in the local market,” a senior SKUAST scientist told Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “But none of them have been officially recommended for use by SKUAST or the Horticulture Department.”

Veteran fruit grower Mohammad Yousuf from Shopian remains skeptical about the rising popularity of these substances. “I have tried growth regulators in the past,” he said. “Yes, the initial fruit set looks promising, but most of those fruits drop prematurely—around June or July. It’s a short-lived benefit that ends up being a waste of both time and money.”

Yousuf warned that the long-term use of these chemicals could be harmful to orchards. “Using them year after year may leave the trees exhausted and non-productive. The yields eventually drop sharply,” he added.

In contrast, growers like Javid Ahmad offer a different perspective. Having used growth regulators for several seasons, he claims to have seen a remarkable increase in production. “My yields have almost doubled,” Javid said. “In a competitive market, I have to take chances.”

Amid these differing experiences, orchardists are urging the government and research institutions to intervene and issue clear guidelines. “The silence from authorities is confusing,” said one grower. “We need to know whether using these chemicals is safe for the long-term health of our orchards.”

Farmers said that due to last year’s lower yield, a majority of growers have been spraying PGRs this season hoping for better results.

Experts, however, advise extreme caution.

Dr. Tariq, a pomologist at SKUAST-K, said PGRs are not suited for regular use in the valley’s temperate climate. “These chemicals are designed to address specific stress conditions, such as poor pollination caused by adverse weather during flowering,” he explained. “In normal climatic conditions like those in Kashmir, their use is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful.”

He noted that had SKUAST recommended these chemicals, they would have been included in the university’s official spray schedule. “You won’t find them there,” he confirmed.

Dr. Tariq outlined several risks associated with synthetic hormones: “They artificially induce fruit set, often leading to poorly developed seeds. Such fruits tend to fall prematurely, resulting in significant post-set losses,” he said.

He added that trees treated with growth regulators tend to bear excessive fruit loads, which they cannot support naturally. “This stresses the tree, disrupts nutrient balance, and results in small, poor-quality fruits,” he warned.

— (KNO)