BUDGAM: Under the aegis of SKUAST‑K, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam, convened its 12th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting today at KVK Budgam campus. SAC meeting serves as a vital platform for reviewing the progress of KVK activities and aligning the upcoming action plan with the real-time needs of the farming community in the district.

The 12th SAC meeting was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K. In her address, she lauded the efforts of KVK Budgam in building the capacity of farmers and empowering rural youth. She emphasized the importance of close coordination of KVK with line departments, promoting FPOs and cooperative models for sustainable agricultural development.

She said, KVK Budgam is playing a transformational role in farmer empowerment, innovation transfer, and rural development. Initiatives like FPOs need to be scaled up as sustainable models for self-reliant agriculture and stressed the need to enhance market linkages, adopt climate-resilient practices, and ensure that scientific advisories reach the grassroots level in real time.

Assistant Commissioner Revenue Budgam, Afrooza Bano representing district administration praised the efforts of KVK Budgam in reaching farmer communities in far flung areas of district. Prof. Lyaqat Ali I/C KVK Coordination Cell Directorate of Extension SKUAST-K interacted with officials of line department and progressive farmers for feedback.

Dr. Bilal A. Lone, Prof. & Head, KVK Budgam, presented the Action Taken Report of the previous SAC meeting, the Annual Progress Report for 2024-25, and the proposed Action Plan for 2025-26. He highlighted the major achievements of KVK in technology dissemination, farmer training, demonstration of improved agricultural practices, promotion of farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and youth engagement in agriculture and allied sector entrepreneurship.

The meeting also witnessed active participation from officers/officials of line departments, Associate Director Research, DARS Budgam, heads from KVKs of Kashmir division, DDM NABARD, FPO representatives and progressive farmers. On this occasion, manual on ‘Chemical analysis of soil’ and booklets on ‘Challenges and Constraints of Farmers Producer Organization,’ ‘Trout Farming: ibtidahiaurmahireenkeliyeamlirehnuma’ were released by the dignitaries.

Officers from line departments and NABARD addressed the gathering and shared their departmental initiatives, success stories, and collaborative plans with KVK for enhancing farmers income and productivity. Farmers from different parts of the district also participated in the meeting and shared their experiences as feedback. The session concluded with an interactive feedback round, leading to actionable recommendations for enhanced community impact and agricultural sustainability.

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