SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today conducted an extensive visit to the hailstorm-affected areas of Shopian district and the fire-damaged Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in Pulwama. The visit aimed at assessing the extent of damage and ensuring prompt relief and support to the affected farmers and traders.

Several villages in Shopian including Wadipora, Reshipora, Drawni, Wuyan, Bandpawa, Handew, Nagbal, Dhobipora, Dachew, Warpora, Gundi Darwesh, and Hushanpora have suffered extensive crop losses due to the recent hailstorm. Interacting with the affected farmers, the Minister directed the concerned field officers to conduct thorough damage assessments and submit comprehensive reports at the earliest. He further instructed the district administration to expedite the process of relief.

The Minister also took note of the farmers’ demand for inclusion of apple under the crop insurance scheme to mitigate risks arising from natural calamities. To strengthen future preparedness, Dar directed for formation of expert technical teams to conduct awareness campaigns and offer technical guidance to the farmers for disaster risk reduction and crop protection.

Later, the Minister visited the fire-affected Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in Pulwama. He inspected the site and listened to the grievances of the traders and association representatives. Responding to their concerns, the Minister assured that all genuine public demands would be addressed on priority. He issued on-the-spot directions for installation of CCTV cameras in the mandi to enhance surveillance and prevent such incidents in future.

MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie, MLA  Pampore, Hasnain Moosdi, MLA Raj pora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir, DDC Members Rajpora and Pampore, Director Horticulture, Kashmir, Director Horticulture, P&M, SDM, ACD CAO, CHO and other officers accompanied the Minister.

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