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SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir held the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar for the year 2025-26 today.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who chaired the meeting at KVK office Nadergund Peerbagh, highlight the launch of the Students’ Rural Exploration Programme (SREP). He said the initiative will engage students from various agricultural and allied disciplines with approximately 400 village panchayats to collect real-time data on local challenges and opportunities. The aim is to generate data for evidence-driven policies and need-based interventions at the grassroots level, he said.

Prof Ganai urged participants to ensure the SREP's effective execution through field-level engagement. The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the importance of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the JKCIP in providing financial support and strategic direction to boost farmers' income.

During the event, Prof Ganai inaugurated new facilities, including a NABARD-funded Farmer Facilitation Centre and a Hi-Tech Polyhouse, and inspected a stall showcasing technological interventions, products, and niche crops developed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and progressive farmers.

Dr SA Simnani, Head KVK, presented the Action Taken Report for 2024-25 and the Annual Action Plan for 2025-26. Statutory members from line departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry, along with farmers, FPOs, and civil society representatives, provided valuable inputs for the plan's refinement.

The meeting concluded with the Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib, acknowledging the KVK Srinagar's efforts in strengthening the connection between the research system and farmers' fields. The meeting saw participation from statutory officers, district heads, progressive farmers, SHGs, FPOs, civil society representatives, agri-preneurs, public representatives and KVK Heads of Kashmir division.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here
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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