• DC seeks quality seeds, logistic support for Lavender cultivation

DODA: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh today chaired an important meeting in the Mini Conference Hall, DC Office Complex to review the measures for the promotion of lavender cultivation in the district and to assess the preparations for the proposed mega Lavender Festival.

The meeting was attended by Director CSIR-IIIM Dr. Zabeer Ahmed; Director Horticulture Jammu Chaman Lal Sharma; Chief Planning Officer   Manesh Kumar Manhas; Chief Agriculture Officer Amjad Hussain Malik; Assistant Floriculture Officer Pawan Kumar, district officers from the Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, and Sericulture departments, along with scientists from the Aroma Mission.

During the meeting, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, highlighted the significance of lavender as a high-value aromatic crop under the Aroma Mission. He shared strategic insights to improve lavender cultivation and processing techniques, emphasizing the importance of introducing advanced farming practices, post-harvest management, and market linkages to maximize returns for farmers. He reiterated CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to extending technical assistance and scientific innovation to promote aromatic farming in the region.

The Deputy Commissioner discussed key challenges faced by lavender farmers, particularly the limited availability of quality hybrid seeds. A detailed discussion was held to ensure the continuous and affordable supply of these seeds to farmers. He urged the expert team from the Aroma Mission, led by Nodal Scientist Suphala Gupta and Principal Scientist Sourabh Saran, to coordinate with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bhaderwah to provide technical and logistic support to farmers.

Scientists from the Aroma Mission shared valuable insights from their ongoing research and presented strategic plans to further boost lavender cultivation in the district. They also outlined the blueprint for the upcoming mega Lavender Festival, which is aimed at promoting aromatic farming, increasing farmer incomes, and enhancing tourism potential in the region. The festival will feature stalls by various government departments, stage setups, exhibitions, and vibrant cultural performances to showcase the benefits of lavender farming.

Furthermore, the DC directed that 115 Krishi Udayamis across the district be mobilized to facilitate the distribution of hybrid lavender seeds at reasonable rates to interested farmers. He emphasized the importance of uplifting the local economy through aromatic plant cultivation and assured full administrative support to all stakeholders involved in the Lavender Mission.

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