JAMMU: Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu Anil Gupta today inaugurated the first picking of exotic vegetables being cultivated under protected conditions at Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu.

Tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers have been grown under a Naturally Ventilated Polygreen House (NVPGH) structure using advanced vegetable cultivation practices. The initiative has been undertaken for demonstration and popularisation of protected cultivation technologies among farmers.

Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Aman Jyoti Sharma, Agronomist (Vegetable Improvement Scheme), Vikas Padha, Agriculture Economist, Tilak Raj Sharma, Farm Manager Chinore, Verinder Dogra, Assistant Botanist, Ajeet Singh besides other senior officers and staff of the Vegetable Improvement Scheme were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director Agriculture emphasised the need to promote the cultivation of exotic and high-value vegetables under protected and controlled conditions to ensure round-the-year production and enhanced income for farmers. Director Anil Gupta further highlighted that round-the-year production of vegetables under controlled conditions not only ensures stable supply to the market but also reduces dependence on seasonal cultivation. He urged the officers of the department to intensify awareness and demonstration programmes so that more farmers are encouraged to adopt protected cultivation practices.

Agronomist, Vikas Padha apprised the visiting officers about Tomato Himsona variety and other exotic vegetables being grown under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme. It was informed that Himsona Tomato variety is a high-yielding hybrid variety characterised by vigorous growth, attractive red glossy fruits, uniform size and excellent shelf life, making it suitable for long-distance transportation.

The Director Agriculture along with other senior officers, also inspected vegetable and flower seedlings and other interventions being demonstrated under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme.

Later, Anil Gupta reviewed the progress of ongoing works of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming being established under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme. He expressed satisfaction over the pace and quality of the works, which are nearing completion. The Director stated that the Centre of Excellence is ready for commissioning and will be made operational shortly.

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