KATHUA: In a significant boost to agricultural quality control and livestock infrastructure, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Tuesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Pesticide Testing Laboratory and a Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) for Wool in Kathua district.
He also inspected the Fish and Poultry Feed Plant and the Rinderpest Checkpost at Lakhanpur.
MLA Kathua, Dr Bharat Bhushan, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Agriculture Production Department, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta, Director Animal Husbandry Jammu Sanjay Gupta, Director Horticulture Jammu, Director Sheep Husbandry Jammu and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The Minister said the Pesticide Testing Laboratory has been established at an estimated cost of ₹481.25 lakh under NABARD funding. It is the second such facility in Jammu division and the third in the Union Territory.
He said the laboratory will strengthen the enforcement mechanisms by detecting spurious pesticides, verifying active ingredient composition and ensuring formulations remain within prescribed safety limits. “This facility will safeguard the farmers from substandard inputs and enhance crop productivity in the region,” he stated.
Inaugurating the Common Facilitation Centre for Wool, the Minister said Kathua district has more than five lakh sheep and goats, indicating vast potential in the wool sector. The centre will support sheep and goat rearers through improved processing, value addition and better market linkage.
During inspection of the Fish and Poultry Feed Plant, the Minister directed the officials to ensure timely execution of the project and strict adherence to technical parameters while preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). He emphasised assessing long-term viability and future potential before project approval.
At Lakhanpur Rinderpest Checkpost, he instructed the officials to maintain strict surveillance on livestock and poultry entering the Union Territory from outside. “There must be no compromise on the health parameters fixed by the department,” he said, directing thorough checking of poultry birds and cattle to prevent disease transmission.
The Minister also interacted with the farmers and listened to their grievances, issuing on-the-spot directions to concerned departments for resolution of issues. He further directed the officials to submit a comprehensive report on buildings damaged due to recent floods for necessary action.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure and protecting farmers’ interests, Javid Dar said that quality assurance, disease control and scientific planning remain central to sustainable rural development in Jammu and Kashmir.