Toxic Metals Threaten Kashmir's Agricultural Soils and Food Safety

Leh, India Aug 4, 2026 ALN: A crucial scientific study has raised serious concerns over the health of Kashmir's agricultural soils, revealing widespread contamination by toxic metals and a parallel decline in essential micronutrients in one of the Valley's most productive farming regions. The findings that researchers say could have far-reaching implications for food safety, agricultural productivity, livestock health and public health.

The study, published in the Scientific Reports—a peer-reviewed journal of the Nature Portfolio—and led by Geological Survey of India scientist Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, analysed 200 topsoil samples collected from nearly 800 square kilometres of the Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, encompassing paddy fields, apple orchards, grazing lands and forest fringes. This research is particularly significant given the region's reliance on agriculture as a primary economic activity and the cultural importance of food production in Kashmiri society.

The findings paint a troubling picture. While the soils remain naturally rich in iron, researchers found alarmingly high concentrations of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V), with contamination levels exceeding internationally accepted thresholds across large parts of the study area. At the same time, several locations were found to be deficient in copper (Cu), nickel and zinc (Zn)—micronutrients essential for crop growth, livestock development and human nutrition. The dual threat of toxic contamination alongside nutrient depletion presents a complex challenge for the agricultural sector in Kashmir.

“93 per cent of the samples exceeded the toxicity threshold for arsenic, 88 per cent for chromium, 81 per cent for vanadium and 17 per cent for nickel. Nearly one-third also recorded elevated cobalt concentrations,” the study reads. These alarming statistics highlight the severity of the contamination issue, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of farming practices in the region.

Researchers say this combination of toxic contamination and nutrient depletion is particularly worrying because it not only reduces soil fertility and crop productivity but also increases the likelihood of harmful metals being absorbed by crops and entering the food chain. This creates a potential public health crisis, as consumers may unknowingly ingest contaminated produce, leading to various health issues.

The analysis recorded average concentrations of iron at 44,759 mg/kg, chromium 120 mg/kg, vanadium 114 mg/kg, zinc 89 mg/kg, nickel 44 mg/kg, copper 33 mg/kg, lead 23 mg/kg, cobalt 19 mg/kg and arsenic 11 mg/kg. Although lead and zinc generally remained within permissible limits, the study found that around 8 per cent of samples were deficient in zinc, while copper and nickel deficiencies occurred in 3 per cent each. These micronutrients are indispensable for plant metabolism, disease resistance, grain formation and livestock health, further complicating the agricultural landscape in Kashmir.

The researchers observed that soils developed over carbonate rocks, particularly in parts of Ganderbal district, were naturally deficient in copper, nickel and zinc, making them less productive unless supplemented with appropriate nutrients. In contrast, basalt-derived soils contained higher concentrations of beneficial micronutrients but also exhibited elevated levels of toxic elements. This dichotomy underscores the importance of understanding soil composition and its implications for agricultural practices in the region.

The study identifies human activity as a key driver of soil contamination. Intensive use of arsenic-bearing pesticides and phosphate fertilisers in orchards and agricultural fields, emissions from vehicles and farm machinery, construction associated with hydropower projects, fossil fuel combustion and poor waste management have all contributed to rising concentrations of hazardous elements. This anthropogenic influence raises concerns about the sustainability of current agricultural practices and the need for regulatory measures to mitigate pollution.

Higher arsenic concentrations were detected in intensively cultivated agricultural areas where pesticides are extensively used, while elevated lead levels were recorded near the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project, pointing to possible construction-related pollution. Zinc enrichment was also linked to intensive farming practices involving fertilisers and pesticides. The correlation between agricultural intensity and soil contamination emphasizes the need for sustainable farming practices that minimize chemical inputs.

Using internationally recognised pollution assessment methods, the researchers identified arsenic as the most significant contaminant in the region. An integrated Toxic Risk Index showed that only about five per cent of the sampled sites posed no toxic risk. Nearly 63.5 per cent fell into the low-risk category, while 31.5 per cent were classified as posing a moderate toxic risk. This risk assessment is crucial for informing local farmers and policymakers about the safety of agricultural products and the need for intervention.

The highest contamination levels were concentrated around agricultural fields, human settlements and hydropower project sites, whereas forests, grazing lands and wastelands generally recorded lower pollution levels. Bandipora emerged as more vulnerable than Ganderbal, particularly in its northern and western areas. This spatial variability in contamination levels necessitates targeted interventions to address the most affected regions.

The study warns that prolonged exposure to these toxic elements could have serious health consequences. “Arsenic is a recognised human carcinogen linked to several forms of cancer and organ damage. Chromium exposure has been associated with neurological disorders and cancer, while excessive nickel can trigger allergies, respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease. High concentrations of vanadium may impair plant growth and are associated with lung, neurological and cardiovascular disorders in humans,” reads the research. “Toxic elements accumulated in soils can be absorbed by crops, transferred into food and fodder and gradually bioaccumulate in humans and livestock, creating long-term public health risks.” This highlights the need for urgent action to address soil contamination and protect public health.

Equally alarming, the study highlights a growing micronutrient crisis. Copper deficiency weakens plant immunity and lowers crop productivity, zinc deficiency reduces crop quality and contributes to nutritional disorders, while nickel—required only in trace quantities—is essential for nitrogen metabolism and healthy grain development. The researchers note that micronutrient deficiencies already contribute to "hidden hunger", a global public health challenge affecting more than two billion people. This situation is particularly concerning in a region where agriculture is a primary source of food and nutrition.

To reverse the trend, the study recommends reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals and promoting sustainable farming through organic manures, compost, biochar, micronutrient-enriched fertilisers, eggshell meal and bone meal. It also suggests applying finely crushed basalt rock as a natural source of essential minerals to replenish depleted soils. Implementing these recommendations could not only improve soil health but also enhance food safety and agricultural productivity in Kashmir.

The implications of this study extend beyond immediate agricultural practices; they touch on broader issues of environmental sustainability, public health, and food security. As Kashmir continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and increasing population pressures, addressing soil contamination and nutrient deficiencies will be crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of its agricultural sector. Policymakers, farmers, and researchers will need to collaborate closely to develop and implement effective strategies that safeguard both the environment and public health in this ecologically sensitive region.