GANDERBAL: The 4th Bi-Monthly Structured Meeting of District Development Managers (DDMs) of NABARD for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was held today at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry (FVSc & AH), Shuhama, under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). 

The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, who presided as the Chief Guest. Senior officers from NABARD including Vikas Mittal, General Manager, J&K and Ladakh Regional Office; Surinder Singh, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Srinagar, and  Manohar Lal, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Jammu, were present on the occasion. University officers including Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-K, and Prof. Riaz A. Shah, Dean FVSc & AH, also participated alongside all DDMs from both UTs.

In his inaugural address, the Vice Chancellor  commended the pivotal role played by NABARD in shaping the nation’s development through rural infrastructure building, financial support, and capacity-enhancement initiatives. He underscored the immense potential of agriculture and allied sectors in the country’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.

 Prof. Ganai highlighted the successful joint initiatives undertaken by SKUAST-K and NABARD in recent years. He expressed confidence that future collaborations would produce multiplier effects, transforming the agricultural landscape of the region through technology transfer, innovation, and policy support.

Addressing the gathering, GM NABARD, outlined the key functional areas of NABARD and emphasized the critical role of universities like SKUAST-K in strengthening these efforts. He highlighted NABARD’s commitment to rural prosperity through innovation-driven interventions and stressed the importance of popularizing field-level technologies, particularly in crucial areas such as feed and fodder development and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Earlier, Registrar SKUAST-K, shared his experiences of working with NABARD and expressed hope for deeper collaboration in upcoming projects.  Prof. Riaz A. Shah, Dean FVSc & AH, elaborated on the role of NABARD in advancing research and development through financial assistance, policy support, and innovation-led strategies in agriculture and allied sectors.

DGM NABARD Srinagar,  highlighted the importance of such structured meetings in keeping DDMs abreast of scientific and technological advancements in agriculture and allied fields.  Later,  participants undertook a planned visit to various faculty laboratories and facilities at FVSc & AH that have been developed with NABARD’s support. 

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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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