KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today flagged off the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccination Van under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, from the DC Office Complex here.

The district-wide vaccination campaign, being conducted under the eighth phase of the nationwide programme, will run from July 2 to August 15 to protect livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease and contribute to the national goal of making India FMD-free by 2030.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that commonly affects livestock during the rainy season, causing substantial economic losses to dairy farmers through reduced milk production, poor growth and decline in animal productivity. He said the vaccination drive is a significant preventive measure to contain the spread of the disease and safeguard livestock health and informed that nearly 2.05 lakh eligible animals across Kathua district will be vaccinated free of cost during the campaign.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to livestock owners to extend full cooperation to the Animal Husbandry Department by presenting all eligible animals above six months of age for vaccination, saying active participation of farmers is essential to achieve the target of an FMD-free India by 2030.

Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO) Dr Yugal Kishore Gupta said the FMD vaccine is administered twice a year at an interval of six months under NADCP to provide sustained immunity against the disease. He urged livestock farmers to ensure timely vaccination of their animals and report suspected cases immediately to the nearest veterinary institution, adding that the campaign is being conducted free of cost across the district through dedicated field teams and mobile vaccination units.

Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua Mahima Madan and Assistant Commissioner Revenue Vishav Partap Singh along with officers and officials of the Animal Husbandry Department were present on the occasion.

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
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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