Kulgam: In a targeted operation, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, on Tuesday led an enforcement team to conduct a surprise inspection of fertilizer shops in the Ladgoo area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The operation resulted in the seizure of 400 bags, weighing 75 quintals, containing unregistered calcium chloride.
A joint enforcement team, under the leadership of Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, conducted surprise inspections at various locations in Kulgam district during the early morning on Tuesday. The focus of the operation was on insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizer dealers/distributors, officials told Kashmir Reader.
The vigilant enforcement efforts yielded results as approximately 400 bags of non-permissible fertilizer, weighing 75 quintals, containing unregistered calcium chloride, were confiscated by the Department of Agriculture’s Enforcement Wing in Kulgam. This decisive action underscores the department’s commitment to curbing the distribution of unauthorized and potentially harmful agricultural inputs in the region.
Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, informed Kashmir Reader that they seized 400 bags of unregistered fertilizers from Ladgoo Kulgam. The entire quantity has been confiscated, and legal formalities have been initiated.
The Director added, “I dispatched the team last night, and we identified this location during the night. Since 6 am today, we have been conducting continuous raids at numerous shops. At one specific spot, we discovered 400 bags of unregistered calcium chloride, which we promptly seized and handed over to the concerned police.”
He mentioned that in Sopore, 220 bags labeled as IPL duplicates were seized yesterday. The efforts will continue as the department strives to fight against those who exploit farmers. The Director appealed to the community to stand united during these challenging times to combat those who exploit farmers. He emphasized the goal of doubling farmers’ income and urged collective efforts to achieve success in this endeavor.
The valley-wide inspection drive will persist in the coming days, ensuring that only quality, genuine inputs, including fertilizers, reach the farming community.

BILAL HABIB