Ensure no counterfeit pesticides reach farmers: Agriculture Minister

Srinagar, Jan 3: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today reiterated the government’s commitment towards supporting the farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector through targeted initiatives and effective oversight.

He stated this while chairing a meeting with Director Agriculture Kashmir, Joint Directors, Provincial Heads, Scheme Heads, Sectoral Officers and Chief Agriculture Officers from various districts at the Agriculture Complex, Lalmandi, Srinagar.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the physical and financial progress under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), CAPEX budget and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). Besides, implementation of projects under HADP and the performance of allied departments was discussed in detail.

Highlighting the importance of timely and efficient utilisation of funds, the Minister stressed the need for expeditious and judicious expenditure under HADP, CAPEX and CSS projects. He emphasised the need to maintain highest standards of transparency and accountability throughout the expenditure process.

Dar directed the officers to ensure that only genuine and high-quality inputs including pesticides, fertilisers and seeds are made available to farmers. He also underlined the significance of stringent enforcement of norms to prevent circulation of substandard products that could harm agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.

The Minister instructed the officers to actively engage with farmers in every area and educate them about the latest farmer-friendly technologies in the agriculture sector. He urged them to work collaboratively with farmer communities to ensure the successful implementation of various projects at the grassroots level.