November 6, 2025

Kashmir’s love for apples has turned a little too toxic! Experts say the valley uses way too many agrochemicals, especially pesticides, in its orchards. Why is everyone worried? Because many believe these chemicals are causing a big jump in cancer cases. Javed Ahmad Dar, the Agriculture Minister, revealed at the Food Safety and Health Conclave 2025 in Srinagar that the government is launching a bold new initiative. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), they have set aside 75,000 hectares of land for pure, chemical-free, organic farming. That’s a big step to heal the soil and protect people. But wait, there’s more! The government will also convert 20,000 hectares of existing orchards into eco-friendly farms, using low-impact methods that help keep the environment safe and boost food safety. Dar’s words were clear: “The goal is to protect human health and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.” Why so urgent? Because the cancer alarm bells are ringing loud in Kashmir. The Health Minister Sakina Itoo told the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that since 2018, over 64,000 cancer cases have popped up in the Union Territory. Shockingly, 50,551 of those are in the Kashmir Valley itself! Research from a 2010 study in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology showed a scary link: out of 432 patients with deadly brain tumors, more than 90% were orchard workers, people living nearby, or kids playing in these fields. The study found that pesticide exposure over 10–20 years could cause these brain tumors. The pesticide use in Kashmir is huge. Over 90% of the 4,080 metric tonnes of pesticides used each year in Jammu and Kashmir land on apple orchards to fight pests and diseases. Kashmir is the fourth biggest pesticide user in India and holds the number one spot for pesticide use per hectare! Farmers spend nearly 55% of their production costs just on crop protection chemicals. Dr. Tariq Rasool, an agriculture expert from the Sher-e-Kashmir University, explains the challenge: “Managing diseases and pests remains one of the biggest challenges in organic apple cultivation. While certain compounds such as copper, sulphur, and bicarbonate salts are permitted globally for disease control, the yield and appearance of organically grown apples still fall short of those produced through conventional methods.” So, can Kashmir trade its chemical load for a fresh organic glow? The government and experts are hoping yes — for safer food, healthier people, and a greener future!

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Tags: Kashmir, Agrochemicals, Organic farming, Cancer Cases, Apple Orchards, Pesticides,