• Kathua Admin’s collaboration with Agriculture Dept. and BSF brings record yield to Border farmers

KATHUA: Marking a significant milestone in the district’s agricultural landscape, the harvesting of ripened wheat crop commenced today across the fence in Chak Changa village, along the Zero Line of Chandwan Border Outpost in the Hiranagar IB sector. The initiative, carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas, is a result of the seamless coordination between the Agriculture Department, Border Security Force (BSF), and local farmers.

The harvesting process was formally launched by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Sanjeev Rai Gupta, along with Company Commandant BSF, Insp. Mahesh Kumar. It marked a remarkable achievement for farmers of the border belt, who are celebrating a bumper wheat harvest this season. Expressing their gratitude, the farmers acknowledged the District Administration, Agriculture Department, and BSF for their unwavering support in ensuring security and providing essential logistical assistance.

The Agriculture Department has deployed 15 tractors and 2 combine harvesters to facilitate the swift harvesting of wheat crops sown over 350 acres across the fence during the Rabi 2024–25 season. The initiative, which began as a pilot project in Rabi 2021–22, has now expanded significantly, with 90 farmers from villages including Chak Changa, Chak Tanda, Krol Krishna, Karol Maithrain, and Maniyari actively participating in cultivation beyond the fence.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Rai Gupta, stated, “Our persistent efforts, coupled with technical assistance and the security support of BSF, have resulted in a successful harvest this year. We are committed to empowering border farmers and ensuring they receive the necessary resources for sustainable agriculture. The harvesting operations will be completed in the next 2–3 days.”

A local progressive farmer, Ram Raj, shared his achievement, stating, “This season, I have reaped an impressive 240 quintals of wheat from 12 acres of cultivated land. The Agriculture Department, especially CAO Kathua, has been instrumental in guiding and supporting us from sowing to harvesting.” The occasion was also attended by SMS Hiranagar, Tejinder Sharma, AEO Marheen, Jamshed Andotra, along with JAEOs and AEAs from the Marheen zone, who remained active in assisting farmers throughout the cultivation process. 

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