A state-of-the-art pesticide testing laboratory, built at a cost of ₹4.71 crore, has been completed and inaugurated in the Kathua district, strengthening quality control mechanisms in the region.
With the establishment of this new facility, pesticide samples from across the area can now be tested locally in Kathua. This is the second such laboratory in the Jammu division, after the existing facility in Jammu, significantly enhancing testing capacity and reducing turnaround time for analysis.
The laboratory was inaugurated today by Minister of Agriculture production Javed Ahmad Dar, in the presence of local MLA Dr. Bharat Bhushan and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted that the modern lab will ensure strict monitoring of pesticide quality, safeguard farmers' interests, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The facility is equipped with advanced instruments to conduct comprehensive testing of pesticide samples according to prescribed standards.
This move is expected to benefit farmers by ensuring the availability of quality agro-inputs and preventing the circulation of substandard or spurious pesticides in the market.