• Mission to transform farming through HADP gains momentum

KULGAM: In line with the mission to transform the agricultural landscape by promoting high-tech and adaptive farming practices, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today interacted with Qayoom Ahmad Allie, a progressive farmer from Wanigund village, to acknowledge and encourage his achievements under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Qayoom Ahmad Allie has successfully transitioned from traditional farming methods to climate-smart, high-value agriculture by adopting scientific techniques and leveraging structured support provided under HADP. His efforts have earned him recognition as a lead farmer in his community. Under HADP, Qayoom received various interventions aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability:

He was sanctioned a Low-Tech Poly Greenhouse (PG House) under the Protected Cultivation Initiative, enabling the cultivation of high-value crops such as capsicum, cucumber, and leafy greens in controlled conditions. This intervention protected crops from unseasonal rains, frost, and pests, resulting in a yield increase of up to four times for certain crops.

He also received financial assistance for nursery development under the Area Expansion of Niche Crops component for raising planting material of Kashmiri Lal Chilli. This led to the production of robust seedlings with early transplanting vigour, shortening the crop maturity period and improving overall productivity.

Additionally, under the Open Field Vegetable Production scheme, Qayoom was provided with certified hybrid seeds. By adopting improved agronomic practices such as line sowing, ridge and furrow layout, and nutrient management based on soil health card recommendations, he successfully cultivated cauliflower, knol khol, and brinjal.

As a result of these interventions, Qayoom achieved significant yield enhancement ranging from 35% to 50% especially in protected cultivation. His annual income has also seen considerable growth due to the cultivation of high-value crops, nursery sales, and an extended growing season.

During the interaction, DDC  encouraged other farmers to adopt modern, technology-driven farming practices and make optimal use of government-run schemes like HADP to enhance agricultural growth, resilience, and sustainability in the region. Qayoom Ahmad Allie’s success under the HADP stands as a model of transformation and reinforces the department’s vision to empower farmers through innovation, capacity-building, and market-oriented agriculture.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here