Kashmir takes step toward pesticide-safe farming with new testing lab

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

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Chief Engineer of the Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineering Department (M&HED) Kashmir, the Assistant Executive Engineer, the Head of the Residual Analysis Lab at SKUAST-Kashmir, and senior officers from the Agriculture Department. The discussion marked a significant step towards setting up a modern testing facility to detect pesticide residues in farm produce.

In his remarks, Sartaj Ahmad Shah underscored the importance of the lab in promoting safe and sustainable farming practices.

“This facility will empower farmers with scientific data, enhance crop quality, and ensure compliance with national and international food safety standards,” he said.

The Chief Engineer, M&HED, provided a detailed overview of the infrastructure requirements and technical specifications necessary to establish a lab that meets global benchmarks. The Head of the SKUAST-K Residual Analysis Lab highlighted the integration of advanced technologies and research-led approaches to support the testing process and strengthen Kashmir’s agricultural ecosystem.

Officials noted that the lab will play a critical role in minimizing the risks associated with pesticide use, building consumer confidence, and unlocking new market opportunities for Kashmiri produce.

The upcoming facility at Lalmandi is expected to serve as a hub for analytical excellence, benefiting farmers, exporters, policymakers, and consumers alike.