In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

ANANTNAG: With the aim to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance awareness among the farmers about scientific and environment friendly farming techniques, an awareness programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyaan was organised today by Agriculture Department Anantnag at Khanabal here.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, presided over the program. The program was attended by District Development Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Dr. Rehana Habib, CAO, CHO, CAHO, DD Fisheries, DSHO, Head KVK Dooru, field officials from Agriculture and allied departments besides progressive farmers and representatives of agri related cooperative societies of the district.

Addressing the gathering, the ACS said that Khet Bachao Abhiyaan is a significant initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable agriculture through scientific and judicious use of resources including fertilizers, land and water while pushing for organic and eco-friendly farming practices.

He stressed the need for adopting productive agricultural technologies and scientific farming methods keeping in view the agro climatic conditions and soil health and environmental balance. He called for protecting the top soil layer (humous) and progressive shifting of agriculture towards natural and organic methods stating the same will have huge scope in the long run.

 Dr. Ashish Chandra asked the farmers to avail the benefits of Soil Health Card, KCC, PM Fasal Bhima Yojana and credit linkage schemes including HADP and JKCIP so that they maximize the output of their land and other resources."Soil Health Cards help in assessment of macro and micro nutrients and allow the farmer to use the fertilisers accordingly," he remarked.

 Advising the farmers to create FPOs under multiple categories, the ACS said the department is committed towards handholding these organisations at all stages. He termed the sustainable agriculture and farmers' welfare top priority of GoI and UT government, assuring the farmers that necessary support will be provided to them in a smooth and holistic manner.  Dr. Ashish Chandra also felicitated a number of local progressive farmers and representatives of cooperative societies for their exemplary work in respective sectors.

 Speaking on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner underscored the importance of close coordination between agriculture and allied departments and the administration to make the Khet Bachao Abhiyaan a successful campaign at the grassroots level. He assured full support of the district administration in popularizing the initiative and ensuring its effective implementation across the district.  Earlier, Director Agriculture Kashmir addressed the participants and highlighted the aims and objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyaan.

Later, Director Extension, SKUAST-K briefed about various aspects of Khet Bachao Abhiyaan, including its benefits and challenges. She stressed the need for active participation of farmers, scientists and field functionaries to achieve its objectives and strengthen the agriculture sector. The progressive farmers and other stakeholders pledged to extend full cooperation to the department for successful conduct of the Abhiyaan.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇