POONCH: Director Horticulture Jammu (DHJ), Gul Syed conducted an extensive two-day tour programme of Poonch District to take stock of departmental activities in the region. During the visit, the Director attended an awareness camp organized at Tehsil Mendhar under the MIDH Scheme 2025–26. About 200 individuals participated reflecting keen interest of local farmers in horticultural development initiatives in the district.

The programme was conducted in the presence of Chief Horticulture Officer Uttam Lal; District Horticulture Officer Ajay Gupta; DL-SMS, Abdul Hamid Kohli; Assistant Director (Jammu), Sunil Gupta; DL-SMS, Sayed Mudsir Shah; MCC Niaz Ahmed along with other officers and officials.

The Director interacted with farmers, reviewed the implementation of ongoing schemes and emphasized the adoption of modern horticultural practices to enhance productivity and farmers’ income.

Later, the Director inspected Government Fruit Plants Nursery Mendhar. He also inspected a high-density apple orchard at Gursai. He assessed the progress of high-density plantations and advised field staff and farmers to follow best management practices to ensure better yields. The tour reinforced the department’s commitment towards strengthening horticulture development and promoting farmer-centric initiatives in Poonch District.

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