SRINAGAR: In a major boost to farmer collectivisation in Jammu & Kashmir, five newly formed Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were formally provided registration certificates during a high-level Farmer Organisations Conclave hosted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar campus.

The conclave was organised under the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in Jammu & Kashmir (JKCIP), an initiative supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), reaffirming the project’s commitment to strengthening farmer institutions and rural entrepreneurship across the Union Territory.

Held on the second day of the AgriTech Mela (Gon’gul), the event brought together over 200 delegates, including more than 100 FPO representatives, national financial institutions, government agencies, and agri-marketing stakeholders.

A major highlight of the event was a comprehensive panel discussion featuring senior officials including representatives from NABARD, NCDC, crop insurance experts, and university leadership. Discussions focused on institutional convergence, financial inclusion, infrastructure gaps, branding frameworks, value chain development, and expanding market access for farmer collectives.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasized the critical role of FPOs as engines of rural transformation and stressed the integration of technology and data-driven systems for ensuring fair price realization for farmers. He also directed the creation of an FPO data portal to further strengthen governance and coordination.

The interactive session allowed nearly 100 FPO CEOs and Directors to directly voice grassroots-level challenges related to credit access, value addition facilities, and market integration. Experts responded with strategic recommendations to build resilient and professionally managed farmer institutions.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognising newly formed and high-performing FPOs, including the distribution of registration certificates to five new FPOs, marking another milestone in the collectivisation drive under IFAD-funded JKCIP.

Through sustained institutional support, capacity building, and convergence with financial and marketing agencies, JKCIP continues to accelerate the transition from fragmented farming to organised, market-oriented collective enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir.

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