KISHTWAR: To strengthen the agricultural sector in the district, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess ongoing agricultural activities, implementation of government schemes and challenges faced by the sector. During the meeting, the DC reviewed various Centrally Sponsored and UT Government Schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Soil Health Card Scheme and Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Key discussions focused on seed distribution, fertilizer availability, irrigation infrastructure and adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices. The DC stressed the importance of improving agricultural productivity through focused interventions. He directed the Agriculture Department to speed up farmer registrations under the “Daksh Kisan” initiative, setting a target of enrolling 15,000 farmers in the coming weeks.

The DC emphasized the need for massive awareness campaigns, timely distribution of quality inputs and promotion of organic farming. Special attention was given to cultivating high-value and climate-resilient crops, especially Black Zeera and Saffron which are unique to the region and have high commercial potential.

To enhance administrative efficiency, the DC instructed officials to fill key vacancies, including assigning staff to AEO positions in Marwah and Warwan. He further directed the department to focus on performance indicators that affect the district’s ranking under the HADP and work actively to improve Kishtwar’s performance.

The review also covered major challenges like irrigation shortages, limited market access and the need for capacity-building programs to equip farmers with technical knowledge and modern techniques. The DC highlighted the need for close coordination among concerned departments and effective field-level implementation to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the grassroots level.

Lauding the ongoing efforts of the Agriculture Department, the DC reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive agricultural system. He stressed the importance of turning policy into real results that improve the lives of farmers across the district. The meeting was attended by CAO Kishtwar Kushal Chandel, SDAO Padder Dheeraj Singh, along with other officials and field staff of the Agriculture Department.

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