JAMMU: Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen undertook a two-day extensive tour of District Ramban, focusing on the implementation and progress of various ongoing agricultural initiatives and schemes.

During the visit, the Director convened a detailed review meeting at the Chief Agriculture Office, Ramban, where he assessed the status of several central and UT-sponsored schemes including HADP, JKCIP, CSS, and NABARD.  He also reviewed the progress of various flagship programmes under SHCS, PMFBY, KCC, PM Kisan and RKVY.

Chief Agriculture Officer Vinay Kumar Jandyal briefed the Director Agriculture about the status of works going on on the field. The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Officer Ayaz Rishi, Sub-Divisional Officer Gool Naveen Kumar, ASCO Jamshed Ahmad, SMS-DL, other senior officers and field staff of District Ramban.

The Director inspected key agricultural infrastructure in the district, including the Mushroom Unit and Honey Processing Plant at DCTC and visited the Integrated Farming System (IFS) Model established by progressive farmer Zubair Ahmad Sohail at Chenab Valley Farm, Village Chamalwas, Banihal. Commending the initiative, he urged farmers to embrace Integrated Farming for sustainable income generation.

Further, the Director inspected a Low-Cost Polyhouse of beneficiary Abdul Rashid Khan in Panchayat Karwah, Zone Banihal, highlighting the importance of protected cultivation. At a well-attended farmers' gathering in Banihal, he elaborated on various components of HADP, encouraging farmers to utilize the Kisan SATHI Dashboard to apply for government schemes related to plantation, protected cultivation, water harvesting, drip irrigation, custom hiring centers, farm machinery, processing units, and nursery establishment.

On the second day, the Director visited the SM Farm Tethar, Banihal, to assess on-ground farm activities. While interacting with farmers and beekeepers, he issued instructions to field functionaries to provide immediate technical support to address the challenges faced by farmers. Emphasizing the potential of apiculture in the region, especially following the GI tagging of Sulai honey, Director Agriculture called for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Apiculture in Ramban.

Later, the Director inspected the Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKG), Banihal, and interacted with Krishi Udyamis, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to handholding entrepreneurs in 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). “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