Srinagar, Oct 18: Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday assured strict measures to curb the sale of substandard fertilizers and pesticides in the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, he said several such products are being sold illegally and that the government is finalizing plans to strengthen the enforcement wing, which had been delayed earlier due to manpower shortages.

The Minister also addressed concerns about the use of artificial coloring on fruits. “During our visit to Kolkata, complaints were received about fruits with harmful coloring. Such fruits have a shorter shelf life and pose serious health risks. I have instructed the department not to allow these colored fruits in markets,” he said.

Dar emphasized that while licenses cannot

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