JAMMU:  Member Legislative Assembly Marh Surinder Kumar today inaugurated Dragon fruit Mother Block, besides launching a plantation drive at Horticulture Fruit Plant Nursery Raipur, Marh. The MLA was accompanied by Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Sayed, Chief Horticulture Officer Rakesh Kotwal and other Departmental officers.

The MLA said that presently horticultural advancements have become indispensable to navigate the sector towards progress and prosperity. “Our primary responsibility is to make the sector more vibrant with scientific and technological orientations,” added the MLA.

The MLA said that after introducing High-Density and innovative techniques in the Horticulture sector, it has become imperative to propagate true-to-type quality fruit plant material at par with the imported fruit plant material locally. In this direction, it is of paramount importance that we must possess dedication and commitment along with scientific and technological know-how to deal with the challenges, he said.

Later, the MLA also kick-started a plantation drive by planting a sapling in the fruit plant nursery Raipur. He emphasized the need to protect local flora and fauna by planting more and more plants. The Director also interacted with farmers and provided valuable technical guidance on best Horticultural practices, including modern nursery management techniques, plant propagation methods, effective pest and disease control, marketing and value addition.

In addition, the CHO Rakesh Kotwal and HDO Dr. Nazran Khan also highlighted the importance of promoting fruit plant cultivation and other necessary Horticultural components to make better use of available land.

The MLA and Director appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture staff and encouraged them to maintain high standards of plant health and nursery hygiene. They also assured full support for enhancing nursery infrastructure and capacity-building of the staff through training and workshops in future.

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