PUNE: “Zero pesticide residue grapes are achievable,” said Sanjay Sawant, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, on Sunday. He was speaking at the GB Joshi Memorial Oration at the MACS-Agharkar Memorial Oration.

While speaking on ‘Pesticide residue in fruits - a serious problem and strategies for the production of zero-residue’ grapes - a success story, he emphasised on the need to train farmers in reducing the use of fungicides.

He said, “The use of chemicals cannot be eliminated, but they have to be used with discretion.” 

He also mentioned that Pune-based National Research Centre – Grapes has all the requisite expertise to guide farmers and has succeeded in meeting the European standards prescribed for export of grapes. Sawant pointed out that the illegal pesticide market in the country amounted to Rs 15,000 crore. 

“Several pesticides are camouflaged under other names and the unsuspecting farmer ends up bearing the loss,” said Sawant.

BLOOD DONATION CAMP HELD IN CITY
Agharkar Research Institute and its staff association organised a blood donation camp in which 45 donors participated. This camp was held with help from the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital to commemorate the Founder’s Day in memory of Prof SP Agharkar.