BANDIPORA:: In a significant move to promote rural entrepreneurship and empower micro food processing enterprises, department of Sheep Husbandry Bandipora—designated as the Nodal Department for the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme organized a workshop-cum-awareness programme at KVK Putshahi Bandipora.

The event aimed to sensitize stakeholders about the various facets of the PMFME scheme and provide on-the-spot support for beneficiary registration. Dr. Peer Irshad, District Nodal Officer (PMFME), briefed the participants on the broader vision of the scheme, emphasizing its role in providing financial and technical assistance to individual entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He underlined the scheme’s potential to boost rural livelihoods and promote value addition in the local agri-produce.

Wali ul Islam, District Resource Person, conducted an in-depth session outlining the key components, eligibility criteria, and application procedures of the scheme. He urged participants to utilize the scheme to develop viable, self-sustaining food processing enterprises. He also facilitated on-the-spot registration of interested beneficiaries, streamlining their access to the scheme. The programme witnessed an enthusiastic response from over 80 farmers and budding entrepreneurs, who actively participated in the interactive discussions.

One of the highlights of the event was an inspiring interaction with Shaheena, a successful ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and beneficiary of the PMFME scheme. She shared her entrepreneurial journey, detailing how she scaled up her food processing unit, Madumati Products, to include a rice mill, oil expeller, and spice processing setup. Using locally sourced ingredients such as water chestnuts from Wular Lake, she showcased how traditional resources can be transformed into high-value products. Her story served as a powerful example of the scheme’s impact, particularly in empowering women-led enterprises.

On the occasion, Lead District Manager, J&K Bank, spoke about the banking and insurance solutions available to PMFME beneficiaries. He emphasized the collaborative role of financial institutions in supporting micro-enterprises and advancing rural financial inclusion. Senior officials including BVO AHD Bandipora, SDO SHD Bandipora, and Technical Officer, DSHO Bandipora also interacted with the participants. They highlighted the convergence of departmental schemes with the PMFME initiative and encouraged stakeholders to explore synergies for broader economic upliftment.

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