SRINAGAR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, SKUAST-Kashmir in collaboration with 41 Battalion BSF, launched two Skill Development Certificate Course on Hi-Tech Mushroom Farming and Digital Soil Maping for precision Agriculture at KVK Campus today.

The Training Course was inaugurated by Prof Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir in presence of Prof. R.H. Kanth, (Director Extension),  Rifat Aftab Qureshi (Additional District Development Commissioner Srinagar) and Sanjai K. Singh (Commandant 41 Bn BSF Humhama) who presided as the Guests of honour.

The certificate course is being co-hoisted by 41Bn BSF and with technical support by MRTC, FOH SKUAST-K and IMDC Directorate of Agriculture Production, Lal Mandi. In his inaugural address, the Vice Chancellor, exhorted the organisers and the participating youth to make said skill course purposeful and impact oriented to establish their commercial mushroom enterprises for cultivation of high value medicinal mushroom strains to ensure their livelihood and economic security.

 Prof. Ganai advised the PI. MRTC to submit a proposal for MoU with other Countries on Supply and Value Chain system on mushroom cultivation.  The Director Extension in her remarks stress on the value addition of the mushroom products and their subsequent linkage with IBPR, SKUAST-K for branding and marketing of the products for higher market prices.

The Vice Chancellor had a word of appraisal for the KVK Team led by Dr. Simnani in bolstering the efforts to collaborate and strengthening the proactive linkage with all stakeholders and defence forces in particular besides upscaling the KVK activities.

Prof. Shamim A. Simnani, Head KVK Srinagar, outlined the program’s objective to nurture and foster entrepreneurial skills among the youth in line with the PM’s Slogan of Skilling of Next Gen. is a national need and foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat to bridge the gap between industry demand and skill requirement so as to reduce dependence on govt. jobs and to make youth self-reliant and self-empowered.

On the occasion, Custom Hiring Farm Machinery Centre of the Kendra established under HADP Project-09 was also inaugurated by Vice Chancellor along with the other dignitaries. Release of a booklet titled “Media Led Agriculture Extension Outreach Journey of the KVK Srinagar by Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K was the highlight of the event.

The event was attended by Rajesh K. Panday (Dy. CO 41 Bn), Dr. I.A. Mir, Dr. Hasseb ur Rehman, Dr. Showket, Dr. Owais, the coordinators of the programme, officers from Deptt. of Agriculture Production besides expert resource persons from IMDC & MRTC, representatives from HADP P. No: 09.

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