In a significant development for the horticulture sector in South Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded Administrative Approval for the establishment of a Quality Control Pesticide Laboratory in District Shopian.
Issued by the Agriculture Production Department (Horticulture Sector), this project is set to address the long-pending demand of fruit growers in the region, which is often referred to as the “Apple Bowl” of Kashmir. The facility will be established at the Departmental Fruit Plant Nursery in the Badam Bagh area of Bongam.
Below, we break down the financial details, the purpose of the lab, and the administrative conditions set for its construction.
Key Highlights of the Project
For quick reference, here are the official details regarding the new facility.
| Detail | Information |
| Project Name | Quality Control Pesticide Laboratory |
| Location | Fruit Plant Nursery, Badam Bagh, Bongam (Shopian) |
| Estimated Cost | Rs 902.05 Lakh (Rs 9.02 Crore) |
| Funding Agency | NABARD |
| Approval Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Beneficiaries | Apple Growers & Horticulture Sector |
Why is this Laboratory Critical?
Shopian is one of Kashmir’s largest fruit-producing districts, with thousands of households dependent on apple cultivation.
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Curbing Spurious Pesticides: Growers have frequently flagged the issue of fake or substandard pesticides entering the market, which damages crops and causes financial loss. This lab will provide a local testing facility to check the quality of products.
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Regulatory Oversight: The facility aims to strengthen regulatory oversight in the horticulture sector, ensuring that only approved and effective chemicals are sold to farmers.
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MLA’s Statement: Highlighting the importance of the project, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, MLA Shopian, stated, “Ensuring quality control of pesticides is critical for protecting farmers and improving standards. I will continue to monitor the project to ensure it is executed on time.”
Administrative Conditions for Execution
The government order lays down strict guidelines for the execution of the project to ensure transparency and quality:
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Design Standards: The design must strictly conform to prescribed norms, with construction parameters following the CPWD Plinth Area Rate Schedule.
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Mandatory E-Tendering: The project must be executed through e-tendering. The order explicitly disallows the “fragmentation” of the project during the tendering process.
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Cost Regulation: Items not covered under the standard Schedule of Rates (SSR) will be priced based on authentic Data Books, subject to competent authority approval.
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Next Steps: While Administrative Approval is granted, the project will move to the construction stage only after Technical Sanction and the fulfillment of all codal formalities.
Conclusion
The approval of this Rs 9.02 crore project is a major relief for the Shopian apple belt. By establishing a local quality control mechanism, the administration aims to support safer agricultural practices and secure the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who rely on this sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where will the pesticide lab be built?
It will be established at the Departmental Fruit Plant Nursery in the Badam Bagh area of Bongam, Shopian.
2. What is the cost of the project?
The estimated cost is Rs 902.05 Lakh (approx. Rs 9.02 Crore).
3. Who is funding the project?
The project is funded through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
4. How will this help farmers?
It will allow for the testing of pesticides locally, helping to prevent the sale of spurious (fake) chemicals that harm crops.
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