Crackdown in the Orchards : SKUAST–K Leads War on Fake Pesticides in Kashmir
Science-driven action and farmer outreach aim to protect crops, livelihoods and soil health across the Valley
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: As fake and substandard pesticides increasingly threaten Kashmir’s horticulture and agriculture sectors, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST–K) has launched an intensified, multi-pronged campaign to curb the menace and safeguard farmers from mounting losses.
Triggered by widespread complaints from orchardists and vegetable growers about repeated spray failures, unusual pest resistance and declining yields, SKUAST–K has mobilised its scientists, laboratories and extension network to address the issue at both the source and the field level.
Experts at the university are conducting scientific analysis of pesticide samples to detect spurious and ineffective formulations, while simultaneously documenting their impact on crops and soil health.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST–K, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, termed fake pesticides a “serious and systemic threat” to Kashmir’s agrarian economy.
“Spurious agro-chemicals not only fail to control pests but also push farmers into financial distress, damage soil fertility and pose risks to human and environmental health. SKUAST–K is committed to combating this menace through scientific validation, farmer awareness and promotion of sustainable alternatives,” he said.
Beyond laboratories, the university has taken the fight directly to the fields. Through farmer–scientist interaction programmes, village-level awareness camps and on-farm demonstrations, SKUAST–K is educating growers on identifying genuine pesticides—such as verifying labels, batch numbers, expiry dates and authorised dealer credentials. Farmers are also being advised to avoid indiscriminate pesticide use and to follow need-based, scientific spray schedules.
A key focus of the campaign is reducing chemical dependency by promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and bio-pesticides. Scientists have warned that fake pesticides often accelerate pest resistance and secondary infestations, forcing farmers into excessive spraying cycles that inflate costs and degrade soil and water resources.
SKUAST–K is also coordinating with the Agriculture Department and regulatory agencies by sharing technical inputs and field feedback to strengthen market surveillance and enforcement against unscrupulous dealers. Officials said such collaboration is vital to plug gaps in the supply chain and ensure only quality-certified products reach farmers.
At a time when Kashmir’s farmers are already grappling with climate variability and rising input costs, SKUAST–K’s crackdown on fake pesticides is being seen as a critical intervention—one that blends science, awareness and sustainability to restore confidence in agriculture and protect the Valley’s green backbone.
