KATHUA: Director Agriculture Jammu (DAJ) Arvinder Singh Reen today conducted an extensive field visit to the Billawar–Basohli area of District Kathua to review ongoing agricultural activities and progress under various flagship schemes. The Director was accompanied by Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua, Jatinder Kumar, SDAO Billawar, SDAO Bhasoli, District level Officers and staff during the tour.

The visit commenced with a review meeting at the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office Billawar, where the Director interacted with the field staff to assess the status of implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). He directed the staff to ensure timely and result oriented execution of these schemes for the benefit of farmers.

Later, the Director inspected the Organic Vegetable Outlet at Billawar established under the theme “Khet Se Dukaan Tak.” On the occasion, the Director Agriculture stressed the importance of organic farming practices, production of chemical free vegetables and establishing marketing linkages to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.

The Director also visited J&K Bank, Phinter and held a detailed meeting with the Branch Manager to review banking initiatives and collaborative efforts with the Agriculture Department. The discussion focused on expediting Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and PMFBY processes with ease, besides resolving field-level issues faced by farmers. He emphasized on‑spot land verification, smooth registration processes and coordinated modalities between Agriculture officials and banking staff to facilitate farmers efficiently.

During the tour, the Director Agriculture visited the SDAO Office, Basohli, where he addressed the staff and emphasized accelerating progress under JKCIP, PMFBY, HADP and CSS. He appreciated the efforts of the field functionaries and exhorted them to maintain a proactive approach to achieve the targets set under various schemes.

Concluding the tour, the Director interacted with turmeric grower farmers in Mahanpur. He stated that turmeric cultivation in the region has not only boosted the income of farmers but also created employment opportunities. Additionally, it has helped in reducing the damage caused by monkeys, offering significant relief to the local farming community.

The day-long visit underscored the department’s commitment to strengthening farmer welfare initiatives, promoting organic agriculture and enhancing institutional support to boost agricultural development in the region.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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