KATHUA:  The Department of Horticulture Kathua organised a one day Exposure visit for a group of 25 Farmers/Fruit Growers of Billawar and Lohai Malhar blocks under Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), here today.   Chief Horticulture Officer Ashwani Sharma flagged off the Exposure Visit to the Centre of Excellence for Fruits, SKUAST-Jammu – Udheywalla, conducted under the direction of Director Horticulture Jammu C. L. Sharma.

The CHO interacted with the group of farmers and advised them to learn the latest horticulture techniques during the exposure visit and adopt the same in their fields for better returns. During the Exposure visit, an Interactive Session was held for the visiting farmers which were chaired by Dean, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, SKUAST-J Prof. Vikas Tandon, alongside Division of Fruit Science Prof. Akash Sharma,  and District Level -Subject Matter Specialist (Pomology) Kathua Sandeep Gupta,.

Prof. Tandon, while addressing the Farmers, briefed about the activities being taken up at COE, especially about the latest and elite cultivars of different Fruit plants being propagated at the centre. He further disclosed that the interested farmers can take these quality Fruit plants of high yielding varieties at genuine rates. Prof. Akash imparted in-depth knowledge about Scientific Orchard Management.

Sandeep Gupta while interacting with the participants, educated them about incentives available under various Schemes/Programs presently under implementation viz. HADP, JKCIP, MIDH, CAPEX and urged them to take maximum benefit from these Schemes/Programs. A live demonstration about various propagation techniques was given to the Farmers during their visit to different Hi-tech Houses. Sohan Lal Incharge HDO Billawar/Lohai Malhar accompanied the Farmers/Fruit Growers during the exposure visit.

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