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  • 3010 samples of pesticides, 1065 of fertilizers collected for testing during 2024-25

JAMMU: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javed Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the consignments of fertilizers are allowed to move to Valley only after the samples test as standard. The Minister was replying to a question raised by Hilal Akbar Lone in the Legislative Assembly.

He informed the House that there is an established mechanism for sampling of the products batch-wise in respect of Fertilizers at Udhampur Rack, being tested from the quality Control Lab at Jammu and the consignments are allowed to move to Valley only after the samples test as standard. He said that there is one check point at Lower Munda where the documents of consignments are checked and the source is verified. He added that the sale is allowed only after the samples test as standard.

In addition, the samples are being taken at random from stocks of the wholesalers and retailers, which too are tested and in case the samples test as below standard, prosecution is launched against the wholesalers/ dealers/retailers, he added.

The Minister said that a similar procedure is being adopted in respect of the pesticides for proper testing before its sale to the farmers. He said that the Agriculture Production Department has an Enforcement Directorate at UT level and Law Enforcement Agencies at District level, which are vigilant to any complaints regarding substandard pesticides and fertilizers.

Sharing the details, the Minister said that 3010 and 1065 samples of pesticides and fertilizers respectively have been collected for testing during 2024-25 accordingly. Bashir Ahmad Veeri raised the supplementary to the question.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here