JAMMU: On the third day of the ongoing 15-day certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for agricultural input dealers, 30 participants from Jammu, Kathua, Kupwara, Anantnag, and Baramulla districts visited the Soil, Fertilizer, and Pesticide Testing Laboratory at Directorate of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Krishi Bhawan Jammu. The training program was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SKUAST Jammu.

The exposure visit was organized to provide trainees with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of soil testing, fertilizer management, and pesticide analysis. The visit also aimed to familiarize participants with the parameters of soil testing, soil health cards, and the process of making test-based recommendations for fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.

During the visit, trainees interacted with Director Agriculture Jammu, Arvinder Singh Reen, who emphasized the crucial role that fertilizer/input dealers play in disseminating knowledge on fertilizer management to farmers. He highlighted the importance of making dealers more aware of the available natural resources, the balanced use of inputs, and the need to improve their professional competencies. By doing so, they can provide the best advisory services to the farming community.

The trainees were briefed by Dr. Neeraj Rajwal, Assistant Soil Chemist Jammu, who explained the Soil Health Card scheme and demonstrated the various laboratory equipment and techniques used for nutrient analysis of soil samples. He also explained the process of collecting soil samples from farmers' fields and analyzing major and micro-nutrients in soil.

Dr. Dolly John, Assistant Biochemist, provided insights into the Fertilizer Laboratory's operations, including quality assessments, nutrient analysis, contaminant detection, soil compatibility, and chromium analysis. Dr. Adil Rashid Assistant Soil Survey officer detailed the working of Soil Survey Section. Additionally, Dr Tarminder Singh, Research Assistant, detailed the procedures involved in pesticide testing, including pesticide residue analysis, pesticide screening for food and agriculture, and quality assessments of registered pesticides and their formulations.

The visit concluded with an interactive technical discussion, where trainees had the opportunity to deliberate with the laboratory staff on various aspects of soil, fertilizer, and pesticide testing. Dr. Satvir Singh SMS KVK Jammu, along with the staff members of KVK Jammu, Directorate of Extension, accompanied the participants throughout the program.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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