JAMMU: Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar today informed the House that 678 beneficiaries from Beerwah Constituency have been covered under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). Replying to a question raised by Legislator Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, the Minister said that horticulture cultivation in Beerwah spans 3,159.48 hectare, covering fruit varieties like Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Apricot, Walnut, Almond and other local varieties.

He said that agricultural development in the constituency is being actively promoted under HADP and other government schemes. During the last three years, 30 bee colonies, one honey processing unit, one Common Hive Centre (CHC) for pollination and agricultural tool kits have been provided to the eligible farmers to promote apiculture as a subsidiary source of income, he added.

The Minister added that training and capacity-building programmes have also been organised to enhance scientific management of bee colonies. This initiative has improved pollination in agricultural and horticultural crops, resulting in better productivity, he added.

Responding to a supplementary question regarding leaf miner disease and  use of pesticides and fungicides, the Minister said that SKUAST and other research scientists are working on addressing these issues. He noted that climate change has contributed to emergence of such diseases but the government and the Agriculture Department are taking timely and necessary measures to support the farming community.

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