Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday urged legislators not to undermine the credibility of Jammu and Kashmir’s institutions, stating that the UT's universities and scientists are performing their duties effectively.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, who alleged that universities were not functioning properly and had failed to address crop-related diseases, Dar said the universities in J&K are working efficiently.
“Don’t demean our institutions. Scientists and universities are working well and are committed to addressing agricultural challenges,” Dar said.
The minister also assured the House that the government is taking strong measures to curb the import of fake pesticides into Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are strengthening the enforcement wing and creating facilities at Lakhanpur to thoroughly check pesticides being imported into the Union Territory,” he said.
Dar added that despite limited resources, the department is committed to ensuring that farmers get access to genuine and quality pesticides. He said the government is continuously working to safeguard the interests of the farming community and boost the agricultural sector of Jammu and Kashmir. (KINS)