• Stresses promotion of Nutri-Cereals, Agri-processing ventures

JAMMU: Mission Director HADP/JKCIP Sandeep Kumar today chaired a meeting to take a comprehensive review of the progress of the programme in the Union Territory. The meeting was held here in the Conference Hall, Directorate of Agriculture- Krishi Bhawan. The Mission Director reviewed the physical and financial achievements under different HADP projects being implemented in both public and private sectors.

The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta; Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Sayed; Director Horticulture Kashmir Vikas Anand and Deputy Director Agriculture (Planning) Jammu Priyanka Parihar, along with Technical Officers HADP (Agriculture and Horticulture) Jammu, technical staff of Mission Directorate HADP, representatives and Principal Investigators from SKUAST-Jammu.

 Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah; Chief Agriculture Officers and Chief Horticulture Officers of all districts of Jammu and Kashmir; Technical Officers HADP Kashmir; representatives and Principal Investigators from SKUAST-Kashmir and other officers from Kashmir attended the meeting through video conferencing (VC).

During the deliberations, Sandeep Kumar emphasized the need to achieve 100 percent expenditure targets by the end of the current month to ensure timely implementation of project activities. While reviewing the progress under the Promotion of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) component, he directed to establish millet mills in those areas where millet cultivation is expanding and the beneficiaries have an actual need.

He also took a detailed review of the Kisan Sathi Portal activities and instructed to clear all pending approvals immediately. He further directed to remove inactive applications systematically and register those genuinely in need of support. The Mission Director also stressed the importance of regular photo documentation with GPS coordinates to be shared with the Mission Directorate for real-time monitoring.

Highlighting the importance of GI tagging of indigenous millet varieties, he urged SKUAST to expedite the process. SKUAST-Jammu informed that work is already underway on seven such millet varieties. The Mission Director also emphasized the development and sharing of Packages of Practices (PoP) and technology transfer by SKUAST Jammu and SKUAST Kashmir with their respective Directorates for wider farmer adoption.

Sandeep Kumar further underscored the need to establish canning units under HADP to enhance the shelf life of agriculture and horticulture produce, thereby increasing farmers’ income. He also highlighted the significance of exposure visits of farmers at the national level, enabling them to learn about new technologies and innovative practices. He directed that consolidated reports of such exposure visits be submitted to the Mission Directorate in a timely manner.

The Mission Director laid special emphasis on strengthening Research and Development (R&D) efforts to ensure the availability of improved seed varieties, which would enhance yield and productivity across the UT.

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