BANDIPORA: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Gurez Constituency, Nazir Ahmad Khan on Tuesday visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez and appreciated the innovative interventions being implemented by the institution for promotion of sustainable agriculture and agri-tourism in the valley.

During the visit, the MLA inspected several pioneering initiatives undertaken by KVK Gurez under the guidance of Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and support of Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth.

The dignitary undertook a detailed field visit of various projects including the first-ever Tulip yard in Gurez Valley, Kala Zeera domestication fields, Lavender demonstration yard and the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) germplasm bank established by the Kendra.

The initiatives are aimed at diversification of agriculture, revival of heritage crops and promotion of natural and organic farming practices in the region besides creating new opportunities for agri-tourism and livelihood generation among farmers.

Terming the Tulip initiative a “great success”, the MLA said the introduction of tulips in Gurez Valley would significantly boost tourism and open new avenues for economic development in the area.

He appreciated the vision of Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai for promoting innovative agricultural practices and improving the quality of life of tribal farmers in Gurez Valley. He also lauded the efforts of Head KVK Gurez and his team for their dedication and commitment towards the farming community.

Meanwhile, an awareness-cum-input distribution programme for tribal farmers was also organised under the TSP-ICAR funded project during which tool kits aimed at facilitating better farming practices and reducing drudgery among farm women were distributed free of cost among the beneficiaries.

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