GANDERBAL: A training programme on the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) was successfully organized by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, Srinagar at the Meeting Hall of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office, Ganderbal.  The programme aimed at enhancing the technical knowledge and practical skills of field functionaries engaged in pest surveillance and management activities in the district.

Agriculture Extension Officers of the Agriculture Department, District Ganderbal, actively participated in the training. The sessions focused on the significance of systematic pest surveillance, timely and accurate data reporting, and the use of digital tools for effective pest monitoring and management under the NPSS framework.

Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (PP), CIPMC Srinagar, under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, conducted the hands-on training session. He demonstrated practical methods of pest identification, surveillance techniques, and digital data entry on the NPSS platform, highlighting its importance in generating early warnings and issuing timely advisories to farmers.

The programme was conducted in the presence of  Arif Khurshid, SDAO Ganderbal; Zahoor Ahmad Dar, SMS (SDL), and Nazir Ahmad Dar, SMS (SDL), who underscored the pivotal role of well-trained field functionaries in protecting crops and providing timely advisory services to farmers through effective pest management strategies. Abir Shankhari, APPO (Weed Science), CIPMC Srinagar, also shared valuable technical insights.

The training concluded with an interactive session, and participants appreciated the practical orientation, which is expected to further strengthen pest surveillance and crop protection efforts in the district.

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