GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today conducted an extensive tour of the district to inspect the progress of various developmental projects under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) as well as works of Rural Development Department (RDD).

During the day-long visit, DC reviewed ongoing works at several sites including the Model Floriculture Farm at Nuner, Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKG) at Wayil, Soil Testing Laboratory at Manigam, under-construction Children Park Haripora and Library at Manigam and Chinar Bagh Dub.

At the Model Floriculture Farm Nuner, DC assessed operations involving lavender and rose cultivation, distillation plant, seedling production of aromatic plants like rosemary, and the packaging unit. He directed the management to explore the extension of the farm and enhance the marketing strategies for the organic products being manufactured.

While inspecting the Kisan Khidmat Ghar at Wayil, DC evaluated the services being offered to farmers and emphasized doorstep delivery of agricultural support facilities. At the Soil Testing Laboratory in Manigam, he underscored the importance of modern testing techniques, and urged farmers to make full use of the facility for improving crop yield and soil health.

Earlier, the DC inspected the under-construction Children’s Park and Library at Manigam, being developed under the Aspirational Block Development Programme. He directed the concerned officers to expedite the work for early completion. During his visit to Chinar Bagh Dub, DC instructed the Block Development Officer to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the park to enhance recreational spaces in the area.

Later, DC inaugurated a Village level Soil Testing Laboratory at Zazna, established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) by the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). The lab is expected to significantly contribute to scientific farming practices by offering localized soil health analysis to farmers.

During his visit, the DC also reviewed the functioning of the Farm Machinery Bank at Zazna Wakura. He emphasized the importance of transparency in service delivery and instructed officials to display the rate lists for farm machinery and services prominently.

While interacting with the farmers and beneficiaries, DC reiterated the transformative objectives of HADP, aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector in Jammu & Kashmir and creating new avenues of growth and prosperity for the farming community. The DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Horticulture Officer, and other concerned officials during the visit.

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