J&K Agriculture Department Refutes Claims of Unchecked Substandard Pesticide Sales in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, MARCH 07, 2026 — The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has formally rebutted recent media reports suggesting that the distribution of counterfeit pesticides in Kashmir is currently unchecked.

Responding to an article published on March 5 titled “Orchardists in Kashmir flag counterfeit pesticides as fruit season begins,” the department clarified that it maintains a robust regulatory framework under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

While acknowledging the concerns of the farming community, officials stated that the report presents a generalized view that overlooks the stringent enforcement mechanisms already active across the Union Territory to ensure only approved, high-quality products reach the markets.

To back its commitment to quality control, the department revealed that its dedicated enforcement wing has been highly proactive during the 2025-26 fiscal year. Statistics show that authorities conducted 3,456 inspections of pesticide outlets and collected 2,741 samples for rigorous quality analysis.

These monitoring efforts led to 39 formal prosecutions against erring dealers, alongside various other legal actions. The department emphasized that it follows a strictly defined roadmap and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Agriculture Production Department (APD) to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the agricultural input supply chain.

In addition to regulatory oversight, the department continues to prioritize farmer education and safety. Orchardists are urged to procure agro-chemicals exclusively from authorized dealers, demand proper billing, and verify product labeling. The government reaffirmed that the horticulture sector remains a vital pillar of the Jammu and Kashmir economy, and continuous monitoring remains a top priority.

Farmers are encouraged to report any suspected substandard products immediately to the department to facilitate swift legal intervention and protect the integrity of the current fruit season.