Director Agriculture reviews progress on pesticide testing lab at Lalmandi

Srinagar, Jul 19: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, chaired a high-level meeting at the Directorate of Agriculture, Lalmandi, to review the establishment of a state-of-the-art Pesticide Residual Analysis Laboratory aimed at improving food safety and quality assurance in the Valley.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer of the Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineering Department (M&HED) Kashmir, Assistant Executive Engineer, Head of the Residual Analysis Lab at SKUAST-K, and senior officials from the Agriculture Department.

Speaking at the meeting, Director Agriculture underlined the importance of the proposed laboratory in ensuring the safety of agricultural produce and promoting sustainable farming. He said the facility would empower farmers with accurate data to enhance crop quality and meet national and global standards.

The Chief Engineer of M&HED Kashmir presented details about the infrastructure and technical specifications needed for the lab, assuring that all requirements would align with modern analytical benchmarks. The Head of the Residual Analysis Lab at SKUAST-K also shared insights on incorporating advanced testing technologies and research practices to support the region’s agri-ecosystem.

Officials noted that the lab would play a crucial role in monitoring pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and would significantly contribute to improving marketability and consumer confidence in produce from Jammu and Kashmir.

The initiative is seen as a strategic step towards ensuring food safety, supporting farmers, and building a stronger agricultural framework across the region.