Srinagar, Sep 01: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir will take strict action against the sale and movement of unlicensed pesticides and agricultural medicines across J&K, Agriculture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar said on Tuesday.
Dar made the statement during his visit to the Kralgund area of north Kashmir’s Handwara, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Block Development Office building.
The minister said the government is strengthening its enforcement mechanism to prevent unauthorised agricultural medicines from entering the market and reaching farmers.
He said checkpoints will be established at existing entry points, where officials from the enforcement team and Agriculture Department will conduct checks on agricultural medicines being brought into the region.
Dar said the government will also act on complaints and information regarding the sale of unlicensed products.
“I request farmers that if any dealer is selling unlicensed medicines, inform our officers. We will take action,” he said.
The minister said some people try to make profits by bringing unauthorised agricultural medicines into the market. He said the government will strengthen monitoring to ensure that farmers receive approved and authorised products.
Dar urged farmers and the public to cooperate with the authorities and immediately report any dealer found selling unlicensed pesticides or agricultural medicines.
He also spoke about the revision of administrative costs for MGNREGA supporting staff and said the government was examining the existing arrangement. Dar said the GRS had been revised in 2022 and implemented in 2024, while efforts are now underway for another revision.
On the Panchayat elections, Dar said the elections would be held on time. “We will have the Panchayat elections on time,” he said.
