PULWAMA: The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Srinagar, in collaboration with officials of the State Agriculture Department from Block Kakapora, organized an awareness campaign on “Fake Pesticides vs. Genuine Pesticides” for farmers at Sether Gund village, Block Kakapora, District Pulwama, on August 20, 2026.
The programme aimed to educate farmers about the identification and verification of genuine pesticides and the risks associated with the purchase and use of counterfeit products.
Dr. Vageesh Pandey, DD (E), sensitized the farmers about various methods of identifying and verifying genuine pesticides before purchase and use. Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, APPO (PP), highlighted the serious problems and harmful effects of counterfeit pesticides on crops, human health, and the environment. He also emphasized the importance of verifying pesticide QR codes and following the recommended procedures for their safe and judicious application.
Mohd. Shafi, JAEO Kakapora, delivered a valuable lecture on the importance of such awareness programmes and stressed the need for farmers to carefully verify the manufacturer’s details, batch number, and other relevant information before purchasing pesticides.
Abir Shankhari, APPO (WS), further strengthened the practical understanding of the participants through a PowerPoint presentation. He apprised the farmers of the harmful effects of indiscriminate pesticide use on human health and emphasized the adoption of all necessary safety precautions during pesticide handling and application.
The programme concluded with an interactive session in which Sanjeet Singh, JAEO Kakapora, addressed and clarified the queries and doubts raised by the farmers. The farmers appreciated the initiative and the valuable guidance provided by the participating officers.
The programme emphasized the importance of purchasing genuine pesticides from reliable sources, verifying product details before purchase, and ensuring their safe, judicious, and responsible use.
