• Trial run conducted to assess operational efficiency of advance nursery machines  

JAMMU: Director Agriculture Jammu (DAJ), Anil Gupta, today reviewed the ongoing works of the Centre of Excellence (COE) for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming being established under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme (VIS) at Krishi Bhawan, to assess the progress of infrastructure development and installation of advanced nursery systems.

A trial run of the Seedling Line Machine and Echo Mat Pot Machine was conducted to evaluate their operational efficiency. The Director was accompanied by Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Jammu, Aman Jyoti Sharma; Agriculture Chemist, Vinod Kumar; Agronomist (VIS), Vikas Padha; Assistant Botanist, Ajeet Singh besides other senior officers and staff of Vegetable Improvement Scheme.

Agronomist (VIS), Vikas Padha briefed the Director Agriculture about the objectives and technical features of the Centre and demonstrated the functioning of the machines. The Seedling Line Machine ensures automated tray filling, precision seed sowing, watering and uniform compaction, while the Echo Mat Pot Machine produces biodegradable pots that promote healthy root development and minimize transplant shock.

It was informed that around 95 percent of the work of the Centre of Excellence has been completed and the facility will be shortly commissioned, with its formal inauguration expected by the end of February.

Being established under the NABARD RIDF-XXX scheme, the Centre shall house a state-of-the-art polycarbonate greenhouse spread over 3511 square meters with the capacity of producing nearly 75 lakhs high-quality vegetable and floriculture seedlings annually, significantly boosting agricultural productivity across the Jammu Division. The Director Agriculture expressed satisfaction over the pace and quality of the ongoing works.  

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