SAMBA: Mission Director Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), Sandeep Kumar today conducted an extensive tour of District Samba to review the implementation of horticulture-related works under the flagship schemes of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

He was accompanied by Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Sayed and Chief Horticulture Officer Samba Anil Kumar Gorka. During the visit, the Mission Director inspected different Horticulture sector projects established under HADP and JKCIP components, including a High-Tech Green House and Deep Borewell at Smailpur. He also interacted with the beneficiaries and reviewed the impact of these interventions on farmers’ livelihoods.

Later, the Mission Director visited the field of Baldev Raj, a progressive orchardist at Simbliwala, who has established a Mother Orchard of Dragon Fruit under HADP. He also inspected the Citrus Orchard at Chhan Samotra, Ghagwal, developed under JKCIP and emphasized the importance of efficient water management in Kandi areas. He urged the farming community to take maximum benefit of the flagship schemes of the J&K Government under HADP and JKCIP for sustainable horticultural growth.

Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Sayed stressed upon farmers to adopt modern horticultural techniques and avail incentives available under HADP, JKCIP and UT CAPEX schemes. He encouraged them to diversify towards strawberry and dragon fruit cultivation for better returns. Chief Horticulture Officer, Anil Kumar Gorka  presented an overview of the ongoing departmental activities in the district. R.R. Sharma, District Level Subject Matter Specialist and Rakesh Kumar, HDO, were also present during the 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