POONCH:   Director Horticulture Jammu Chaman Lal Sharma today undertook a comprehensive tour of District Poonch to assess the implementation of the departmental schemes and review on-ground developmental activities aimed at strengthening the horticulture sector in the region. He visited multiple farmers' orchards across   Poonch, Lassana,  Harni and other blocks  and interacted with orchardists and took firsthand appraisal of the conditions of orchards of apple and other fruit crops. He encouraged farmers to adopt advanced horticultural practices to improve productivity and enhance income.

The Director also visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Poonch, where he reviewed ongoing research and extension services being provided to farmers. He closely monitored the functioning of apple rootstock banks and inspected the layout and management of Revised Modified Orchards and geo tanks, which are instrumental in ensuring water conservation and improved orchard management especially in hilly terrains.

 Chief Horticulture Sanjeev Kumar, MCC’s Anil Chibber, Niaz Ahmed and other officers of the department accompanied the Director. Later, the Director convened a meeting of the Horticulture Development Officers, officials & field functionaries of district Poonch. He asked the staff to reach out to farmers to educate them about various departmental schemes, particularly focusing on the promotion of Pecannut, a high-value and native crop to the Poonch region with significant commercial potential.

Earlier, Chief Horticulture Officer appraised the chair about the ongoing works and achievements made so far under different schemes being implemented in the district. Later, the Director inspected various Govt. fruit plant nurseries across the district and appreciated the functionaries for closely monitoring & implementing the schemes and developmental works in   the 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