UDHAMPUR: A two-day Farmers’ Awareness & IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Training Programme was inaugurated today at Mand East Panchayat (Udhampur District) under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The programme is being conducted by the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre Jammu.

Vice Chairperson District Development Council Udhampur Juhi Manhas Pathania graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the farmers, she highlighted the importance of awareness, training and adoption of innovative techniques for sustainable agriculture. She said that empowering farmers through knowledge-sharing and modern interventions remains her foremost priority as agriculture continues to be the backbone of the rural economy.

Vice Chairperson Pathania assured that the District Development Council is committed to address the challenges faced by the farming community by expanding irrigation network, farm mechanization and access to government schemes. She emphasized that enhanced productivity, environmental protection and economic self-reliance can go hand in hand if farmers adopt Integrated Pest Management practices and sustainable methods.

The programme also witnessed the participation of Dr. Mithilesh Arya, Deputy Director, who educated farmers on pest management, scientific cultivation techniques and available government schemes for farmer welfare. Prominent PRI members and locals including ex/Sarpanch Aarti Sharma, Balwan, Ashok, Som Raj, Darbari Lal Seth, Manohar Lal Seth, Ashok Seth, Sunil Khajuria, Pushpa Devi, Lalita Devi and Anita Devi attended the event along with a large number of farmers.

Later, the Vice Chairperson along with PRI members, school staff, and students participated in a plantation drive at Middle School Mand, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ spreading a message of environmental conservation and sustainable growth. Smt. Pathania concluded her address by reaffirming her vision of “prosperous farmers, empowered villages and a green Udhampur.”

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