SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has intensified regulatory and enforcement measures to curb the sale of spurious and substandard pesticides and promote their safe and judicious use, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Dar was responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para over concerns regarding the rising number of cancer cases and alleged risks associated with pesticide use in major agricultural and horticultural areas of J&K.
The minister said the Agriculture Production Department was enforcing provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968, to regulate the sale and use of pesticides and prevent circulation of substandard products.
He said two pesticide quality control laboratories, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, were operational, while the enforcement and regulatory mechanism was being strengthened to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.
During 2025-26, as many as 5,772 pesticide samples were tested, of which 85 were found to be substandard. The department issued 93 show-cause notices, initiated 52 prosecutions, registered 22 FIRs and recovered Rs 70,000 in fines, Dar said.
During the current financial year, 1,658 samples have been tested so far, with 66 found substandard. The action taken includes cancellation or suspension of 19 licences, initiation of 19 prosecutions, registration of three FIRs and recovery of Rs 1.33 lakh in fines.
Dar also said 32 highly toxic pesticide formulations had been banned or restricted in J&K in line with advisories issued by the Centre.
Emphasising safe pesticide application, he said farmers and pesticide applicators were being sensitised about recommended doses, target crops and pests, waiting periods, application methods, safe handling, use of personal protective equipment and proper disposal.
The government was also promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce excessive dependence on chemical pesticides, he said.
During 2025-26, 520 IPM Farmer Field Schools were conducted in major horticultural districts, including Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kulgam and Anantnag, to promote scientific pest management and safer pesticide use.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, the government was also promoting organic farming and judicious use of agro-chemicals, the minister said.
Around 1.15 lakh Soil Health Cards have been issued to encourage balanced use of agricultural inputs, while a State Pesticide Residue Testing Laboratory is at the final stage of establishment, he said.
Dar said fruit growers were being advised to purchase only registered pesticides from licensed dealers and follow prescribed doses and waiting periods besides adhering to safety guidelines on storage, weather conditions and application.
He further informed the House that the NABL-accredited Research Centre for Residue and Quality Analysis at SKUAST-Kashmir regularly tests fruits, vegetables and field crops under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s MPRNL programme.
According to the minister, pesticide residues generally remain within prescribed Maximum Residue Limits, although occasional exceedances are detected.
Dar said a comprehensive, science-based study involving the Agriculture Production, Health and Medical Education departments, SKUAST-Jammu, SKUAST-Kashmir, SKIMS and SMHS could help assess pesticide exposure, residue levels, usage patterns and related health data.
Referring to recommendations of the Committee on Environment regarding pesticide exposure and malignant brain tumours, he said SKUAST-Jammu had recommended a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to minimise risks associated with indiscriminate and unsafe pesticide use.
