SRINAGAR: Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, today chaired  42nd Standing Evaluation Committee (SEC)  meeting of SKUAST-K at Shalimar.  The meeting witnessed participation from various line departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Law Enforcement agencies, and progressive nursery growers.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie emphasized the university’s commitment towards adopting an integrated pest, disease, and nutrient management strategy for orchards across the Kashmir Valley. He also highlighted the urgent need for a data-driven decision support system to enable real-time monitoring of pests and diseases.

Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, Director Research, stressed the importance of eco-friendly pest and disease management approaches as a sustainable and viable option in the present-day scenario.  Dr. Irfan Bisati, Professor Directorate of Research, presented the Action Taken Report of previous meetings and outlined the future course of action. 

Officers from different line departments held detailed deliberations on resistance management strategies for major pests and diseases, focusing on integrated approaches and pesticide rotation. Representatives from various divisions of SKUAST-K, including Plant Pathology, Entomology, Fruit Science, and Agricultural Economics, presented updates on different molecules currently under evaluation. The Committee also recommended the issuance of Plant Health guide for the year 2026-27.

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