Srinagar, Mar 19 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that over 3,010 pesticide samples were tested in 2024-25, out of which 58 were found substandard, even as 1,005 results are still pending.
Minister Incharge Agriculture Production Department, in response to a query raised by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the department is taking stringent measures to ensure the quality of pesticides and fertilizers.
The minister informed that the department has an established mechanism to test fertilizers at the Udhampur Rack before allowing their movement to the Kashmir Valley.
Additionally, random samples are taken from wholesalers and retailers, with legal action initiated if they fail to meet standards. A similar process is followed for pesticides to ensure farmers receive quality products.
The government data accessed by KNO reveals that 3,010 pesticide samples were collected across Jammu and Kashmir in 2024-25, out of which 2,037 were found standard, 58 were non-standard, and 1,005 are still pending analysis.
Notably, 32 prosecutions were launched against violators, with Rs 55,000 recovered as fines.
For fertilizers, a total of 1,065 samples were collected, with 875 meeting standards, 28 failing, and 138 pending results. The crackdown has led to 26 prosecutions and one conviction with a fine of Rs 3,000.
The government reiterated its commitment to taking action against the supply of substandard agricultural inputs under the Insecticide Act, 1968, and the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985—(KNO)