Shimla, May 23
Himachal Pradesh, known for producing some of the country’s finest apples, is facing a fresh crisis in its orchards as allegations of fake and adulterated Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) being supplied to gullible growers have surfaced across the state’s major apple belts.
The controversy erupted after complaints from orchardists in Shimla, Kullu and Mandi districts that a purported PGR spray, sold at exorbitant prices ranging between Rs 14,000 and Rs 16,500 per litre, failed to deliver the promised results.
Horticulturists suspect that growers may have been duped of crores of rupees in the name of enhancing apple size, colour and yield.
The issue gained further traction after a telephonic audio clip allegedly involving promoters of a product marketed as “Promolin” went viral on social media. A batch number of Promolin was allegedly termed fake on a post which is circulated to lakhs of apple growers in the state.
The audio reportedly hints at the supply of fake PGR to orchardists. In another dramatic turn, a supplier who showcased good fruit samples from his own orchard was allegedly trapped by some youths accusing him of supplying adulterated material.
PGRs are plant hormones used in horticulture to regulate flowering, improve fruit texture, increase fruit size and prevent premature fruit drop. In apple cultivation, such sprays are commonly used to elongate and enlarge fruits. However, experts say the market is increasingly flooded with unverified and substandard products.
According to horticulturists, nearly 2,500 litres of the suspected PGR has already been sold in the state this season. Many growers reportedly purchased the product through social media promotions and verbal assurances without obtaining bills or receipts, complicating the investigation.
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Director of Horticulture Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma confirmed that complaints regarding fraud in the name of PGR had been received and an investigation has been initiated. Samples of the seized PGR are being examined and the department has also written to the company concerned.
Growers from Chaupal, Nirmand and Ani alleged that despite spending thousands of rupees, the spray had no positive impact on crop production. With apple production already expected to remain low this season due to erratic weather, orchardists fear that the fake PGR racket has further dashed hopes of securing better returns from the crop.
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