Poison in the Orchard: How Pesticides Are Fueling Kashmir’s Silent Cancer Epidemic By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 02 July 2025 From Lush Apple Groves to Lifelong Illness Nestled amidst breathtaking Himalayan valleys, Kashmir’s apple orchards have long been a symbol of the region’s natural abundance and economic backbone. But beneath the beauty lies a hidden crisis—one that is claiming lives in silence and sending entire families to oncology wards. In what experts are calling a “toxic public health emergency”, a growing number of brain tumors and other aggressive cancers…
Read MoreTag: #KashmirCancerCrisis
Time for Action: Pesticides and Health Risks in Kashmir’s Orchard Economy
A Grim Health Crisis Linked to Hazardous Practices in Kashmir’s Orchard Economy Srinagar, 14 April 2025: A Growing Public Health Concern In Kashmir, the steep rise in cancer cases, particularly brain tumors, has emerged as an alarming health crisis. Studies and expert observations link this increase to pesticide use in orchard farming, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy. Despite evidence highlighting the carcinogenic risks of certain chemicals widely sprayed in orchards, stringent safety regulations, public awareness, and preventive measures remain elusive in the region. Prevalence and Impact Brain tumors have become…
Read MoreSrinagar battles cancer epidemic as cases surge to record levels
Kashmir’s Cancer Crisis: A Deep Dive into the Soaring Numbers Kashmir’s premier healthcare institution, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, is grappling with a surge in cancer cases that has sent shockwaves through the region. Over 4,000 new cases were registered in 2023 alone, adding to the staggering tally of 44,112 cases since 2014. This alarming trend is evident in the yearly statistics, with a steady rise from 3,940 cases in 2014 to 5,294 in 2022. The Tip of the Iceberg: Underreporting and Out-of-Region Treatment These figures may not…
Read MoreCancer: A Growing Menace in Kashmir
Cancer Cases on the Rise in Kashmir: A Growing Health Concern Kashmir, a region renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is now facing an emerging health crisis as cancer diagnoses surge. The increasing incidence of cancer has sent shockwaves through the local community and healthcare authorities alike. While the exact causes behind this worrisome trend are still under investigation, experts suggest that a combination of factors may be responsible, encompassing lifestyle changes, environmental influences, and genetic predisposition. The rising prevalence of cancer, spanning various types, such as…
Read More