BANDIPORA: The Department of Horticulture, Bandipora, in collaboration with Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) Shejaar, Sumbal, today organized a one-day Kisan Goshti that witnessed enthusiastic participation from FPO members and farmers, including women. The event aimed to promote value addition and post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables to enhance farmers’ income and livelihood opportunities, especially for women in rural areas.

On the occasion, a team from Gen Gas Pvt. Ltd., Noida, interacted with the FPO members and farmers, providing insights on the drying and preservation of fruits and vegetables during harsh winters. The participants were also briefed about innovative methods for vegetable value addition and ways to improve product quality, shelf life, and marketability to ensure better returns for farmers.

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the company presented a Solar Dehydration Unit to the FPO Shejaar. The unit aims to empower local women by generating self-employment opportunities through small-scale value addition activities. The participants expressed gratitude to the District Administration and the Horticulture Department for organizing such an informative and empowering event, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable horticultural practices across the district.

The function witnessed participation of SDM Sumbal, Murtaza ahmad; Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO) Bandipora, Pawan Kumar Thakur; CHO Baramulla, Farooq Ahmad Tantray, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Bandipora, Javaid Samoon; HDO Sumbal, MD Shejaar Vegetable Produce Company, and officers and officials from agriculture and allied departments.

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