In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Reviews farm interventions and promotes Tribal Women Empowerment

BANDIPORA: The Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, concluded a three-day visit to Gurez and held a series of fruitful discussions with farmers, farm women and budding entrepreneurs while visiting all three regions of Gurez, including Bagtore, Gurez and Tulail.

During the extensive programme, the Front-Line Demonstrations (FLDs) and On-Farm Trials (OFTs) laid by KVK Gurez during 2026-27 were monitored and reviewed, including trials on Wheat (SW-03) provided by KVK Gurez through thhe NSP, SKUAST-Kashmir over 70 hectares, covering 700 farm families across Gurez and Tulail, including Chakwali.

The visit was followed by inspections of the Potato Seed Village at Badugam, Maize Village at Tarbal and Buckwheat Seed Village at Dangan (Bagtore). Under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, KVK Gurez has been directed to put in place very sincere and serious efforts for the revival of heritage crops, introduction of novel technologies of SKUAST-Kashmir to enhance production trends, generate income avenues and improve the quality of life of tribal farmers, the Director Extension said.

She lauded the efforts of KVK Gurez in attaining the assigned targets with significant results and informed that KVK Gurez is striving hard and marching towards achieving excellence.

She further stated that the United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer (IYWF-2026) and informed that SKUAST-Kashmir, the fourth best Agriculture University in the country, is committed to working towards gender empowerment through reduction of farm drudgery, facilitating women to take farm decisions, besides ensuring their social and financial security.

In this endeavour, fifty tribal farming families, the majority of them being farm women from the far-flung Banjran area of Bagtore Block, Gurez, were provided free of cost, high-quality farm inputs under TSP-ICAR.

Receiving feedback from a few of the beneficiaries on the occasion, the farmers expressed gratitude to KVK Gurez for the efforts being made towards the betterment of the farming community across Gurez Valley.

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

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