Srinagar, Mar 07: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has taken note of the article published in Ziraat Times on March 5, 2026, titled "Orchardists in Kashmir flag counterfeit pesticides as fruit season begins."

While the concerns of farmers are important, the department has strongly reputed the claim that the distribution of substandard pesticides remains unchecked in the markets. The department remains fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers and orchardists, and the report appears to present a generalized view that does not fully reflect the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms already in place.
The department operates strictly under the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the rules framed thereunder, which regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of pesticides to ensure that only approved and quality products reach farmers and orchardists. Under this legal framework, pesticides can be sold only through licensed dealers and are subject to regular monitoring and inspection.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has maintained strict vigilance to curb the menace of counterfeit or substandard pesticides. The Agriculture Department has a dedicated enforcement wing that routinely conducts inspections of pesticide outlets, collects samples for quality testing, and takes action against any dealer found violating the prescribed norms.
During the current year 2025-26, the enforcement wing carried out 3,456 inspections of pesticide outlets and 2,741 samples were drawn for quality analysis. Based on violations detected, 39 prosecutions were launched against erring dealers in addition to other legal actions as provided under law.
The department has also already adopted and is implementing a clearly defined roadmap for the monitoring and distribution of insecticides. In addition, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Agriculture Production Department (APD) for the monitoring and regulation of fertilizers are being strictly followed to ensure transparency, accountability, and quality control in the supply chain of agricultural inputs.
The department also issues timely advisories to farmers regarding recommended pesticides, proper dosages, and safe pest management practices. Farmers are instructed to procure Agro-Chemicals only from authorized dealers, insist on proper bills and properly labelled products, and report any suspected counterfeit or substandard products to the department so that immediate action can be taken.
The Government remains fully committed to ensuring the availability of genuine agricultural inputs and protecting the horticulture sector, which is a vital component of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Continuous monitoring, enforcement drives, and farmer awareness programmes are being carried out to address such concerns effectively.