Director Agriculture Kashmir conducts inspection of Pesticide Dealers in Shopian; seizes substandard Pesticides

SHOPIAN : As part of the ongoing drive to ensure the availability of quality agricultural inputs to farmers and to curb the sale of unauthorized and substandard pesticides, the Director Agriculture Kashmir conducted a surprise inspection of various pesticide dealers in District Shopian.
During the inspection, stocks of pesticides and related records maintained by dealers were thoroughly examined to verify compliance with the provisions of the Insecticides Act and Rules. The inspection aimed to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure the use of quality plant protection chemicals in the farming sector.
During the drive, a quantity of 235 kilograms of ‘Super M-45’ pesticide was seized on suspicion of non-compliance with prescribed standards and regulatory requirements. The seizure was carried out in the presence of the Executive Magistrate, Shopian, following due legal procedure.
The Director Agriculture Kashmir reiterated the department’s commitment towards maintaining strict vigilance over the sale and distribution of agricultural inputs and warned dealers against indulging in the sale of spurious, misbranded or unregistered pesticides. He emphasized that strict action shall be taken against violators under the relevant provisions of law.
Farmers were advised to purchase pesticides only from authorized dealers, insist on proper bills and invoices, and use plant protection chemicals strictly as per the recommendations of the Agriculture Department.
The Department of Agriculture Kashmir shall continue such inspection drives across the Valley to ensure the availability of genuine and quality agricultural inputs to the farming community.