By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
Kashmir, with its temperate climate, has long been celebrated as the “fruit bowl” of India. The region’s fertile lands produce a variety of temperate fruits like apples, peaches, apricots, pears, strawberries, plums, cherries, and dry fruits like walnuts and almonds. Kashmiri apples, in particular, are renowned globally for their taste and quality, contributing 78% of India’s annual apple production, which amounts to approximately 25-26 lakh metric tonnes. The apple industry forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, with a significant portion of the population engaged in horticulture-related activities.
Over the decades, the increasing demand for Kashmiri apples has led farmers to convert not just agricultural land but also residential areas into apple orchards. According to recent data, nearly 50-60% of horticultural land in Kashmir is now occupied by apple orchards. The introduction of modern apple varieties like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Royal Gala, among others, has further incentivized farmers to focus on apple production. However, these varieties, being non-native, are highly prone to diseases, necessitating the extensive use of pesticides such as fungicides and insecticides to ensure their health and yield.
Pesticides and Their Impact on Human Health
The reliance on chemical pesticides has brought about a darker side to the flourishing apple industry. Farmers spray pesticides on their orchards from February to December, adhering to schedules recommended by experts. Commonly used pesticides in Kashmir include Captan, Chlorothalonil, Mancozeb, and Propeneb, among others. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals are known to be carcinogenic and harmful to human health.
Commonly Used Pesticides in Kashmir:
- Captan: A synthetic fungicide classified as a probable human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure is linked to duodenum cancer in animals and may cause skin and respiratory irritation in humans
- Chlorothalonil: A broad-spectrum fungicide categorized as a Group B2 carcinogen by the USEPA. It is associated with kidney cancer, skin allergies, and respiratory reactions.
- Mancozeb: This fungicide is linked to thyroid, brain, and pancreatic tumors, along with DNA damage and fetal cell abnormalities.
- Propeneb: Known to disrupt thyroid function and cause immunotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Long-term exposure is associated with reproductive issues and carcinogenic effects.
Alarming Rise in Cancer Cases
The use of these hazardous chemicals has led to a concerning rise in cancer cases in Kashmir. In 2013, there were only 230 reported cancer patients in the region. By 2018, the number rose to 511. Alarmingly, in 2020-21, the figure surged to 13,060, and by 2023-24, it reached 14,112. Studies conducted by the Neurological Centre at SKIMS have revealed a strong link between pesticide exposure and the prevalence of brain cancer, particularly malignant tumors. An estimated 90% of brain tumor patients in Kashmir were orchard workers, residents, or children exposed to neurotoxic and carcinogenic chemicals in apple orchards.
Young adults in their 20s and 30s are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer, signaling the severe impact of prolonged pesticide exposure. Kashmir, once known for serving bowls of fruits, now faces the grim reality of becoming a “cancer bowl,” with pesticide-laden apples contributing to the spread of this deadly disease.
The Need for Alternatives
While the apple industry remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, its growth cannot come at the cost of human life. The excessive use of harmful pesticides not only jeopardizes human health but also creates resistance in pests, making orchards more vulnerable to diseases in the long run. There is an urgent need to explore sustainable alternatives like biopesticides, integrated pest management, and organic farming practices to preserve both the industry and the health of the population.
The people of Kashmir must prioritize finding innovative solutions to protect their land, lives, and livelihood. The transition from chemical pesticides to eco-friendly methods will not only sustain the apple industry but also ensure the well-being of future generations. After all, no economic gain is worth the sacrifice of human life.
The writer is MSc. Biotechnology and a Teacher by Profession.
