Kashmir may be facing a slow and largely invisible public health crisis—one that does not emerge through sudden outbreaks, but through everyday exposure to what people eat.
Across the Valley, concerns are rising about excessive pesticide use and persistent food adulteration. The issue is particularly visible in South Kashmir, where horticulture forms the backbone of the local economy and chemical use has become deeply embedded in farming practices.
In parts of Shopian, residents describe an unsettling change. “Earlier, cancer cases were rare here,” says a local orchard worker. “Now almost every area has someone affected.” While anecdotal, such accounts reflect a growing concern among communities.
What was once perception is now supported by official data.
According to government figures presented in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, more than 32,000 cancer cases have been recorded across the Union Territory over the past three years. Of these, over 25,000 cases are from the Kashmir division. Since 2018, the total number of reported cancer cases has crossed 64,000—indicating a sustained and significant disease burden.
At the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), more than 16,000 cancer cases have been recorded in just three years. Across major hospitals in the region, nearly 10,000 cases were reported in 2025 alone.
These figures do not indicate a sudden outbreak, but they do point to a trend that demands closer attention.
Medical professionals are cautious in interpretation, but increasingly concerned.
Doctors at SKIMS note that cancer is a multi-factorial disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle, infections, and environmental exposure. However, they acknowledge that environmental risks, particularly long-term exposure to chemicals, are becoming an important area of concern.
“We are seeing a steady rise in cases,” a senior doctor at SKIMS said, requesting anonymity. “While no single cause can be identified, prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, including those present in food and agriculture, is something that needs serious attention.”
Government health authorities have also stated that no specific disease cluster has been officially identified. However, the steady increase in cases continues to raise questions about underlying environmental factors.
This concern is especially evident in districts such as Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag, where intensive horticulture and chemical-dependent farming practices are widespread.
Agricultural practices remain central to the discussion.
Apple cultivation, a key pillar of Kashmir’s economy, relies heavily on repeated pesticide applications during the growing season. In many orchards, spraying is carried out manually, often without calibrated equipment or adequate protective gear. Farmers frequently work in close proximity to chemical sprays, increasing the risk of inhalation and skin exposure.
Scientific research supports concerns about such exposure. Studies referenced by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the World Health Organization have linked prolonged exposure to certain pesticide groups, including organophosphates, with increased risks of cancer, neurological disorders, and hormonal disruption—particularly where safety practices are inadequate.
The risk does not end in the orchards.
Pesticide residues can remain on fruits and vegetables as they move through the supply chain. In the absence of widespread and routine residue testing, the extent of consumer exposure remains uncertain, raising concerns about continuous low-dose intake over time.
Alongside this is the persistent issue of food adulteration.
Authorities have periodically seized substandard food items, including spoiled meat and adulterated products, from markets. However, such actions are often sporadic. Without consistent monitoring and strong enforcement, unsafe practices tend to reappear once immediate scrutiny declines.
This points to structural gaps in regulation and oversight.
Responsibility lies across multiple agencies—from agriculture departments regulating pesticide use to food safety authorities responsible for ensuring market standards. Without stronger coordination and accountability, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Addressing the issue requires a multi-layered response.
Farmers need access to proper training, calibrated spraying equipment, and protective gear to reduce direct exposure. Food testing infrastructure must be expanded to ensure regular monitoring of pesticide residues before produce reaches consumers.
Policy intervention is equally important. Hazardous pesticides should be reviewed and, where necessary, restricted or phased out. At the same time, gradual transition toward safer and more sustainable farming practices must be supported through incentives, awareness, and market access.
Food adulteration must also be treated with greater seriousness. Stronger penalties and consistent enforcement are necessary to deter violations and restore public confidence.
The link between food systems and public health is direct and unavoidable.
While cancer trends cannot be explained by a single cause, the potential role of environmental and dietary exposure cannot be overlooked. The steady rise in cases, combined with known scientific risks associated with pesticide exposure, calls for deeper investigation and timely intervention.
Kashmir is already showing warning signs.
If these signals are ignored, what is now a quiet concern may evolve into a far more widespread public health crisis in the years ahead.
The choice is no longer theoretical—it is immediate, and it will shape the region’s health for decades to come.
The writer is a researcher in South Asian history, focusing on the socio-political and cultural history of Kashmir, with a special emphasis on minority religious communities.
Shabeerhidtory18@gmail.com
