In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • DDC flags off seven-day interstate tour under SMAE-ATMA

POONCH: District Development Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today flagged off a seven-day farmers’ interstate training programme (outside the UT) under the centrally sponsored scheme SMAE–ATMA (Sub Mission on Agriculture Extension – Agricultural Technology Management Agency).

The programme aims to enhance the technical capacity and practical knowledge of farmers by exposing them to advanced agricultural practices being adopted in progressive agricultural institutions.  The touring group consists of 31 farmers drawn from different areas of Poonch district. They would undergo structured technical training and participate in live field demonstrations at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.

While speaking on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner lauded the Agriculture Department for proactively organizing the exposure programme under ATMA. “Such initiatives play a pivotal role in building farmers’ capacity, fostering self-reliance and improving their socio-economic status”, he noted. He encouraged the farmers to make optimum use of the training programme and adopt modern, mechanized and scientific agricultural practices in place of traditional methods to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability in the district. 

Chief Agriculture Officer, Jograj Singh Slathia, while interacting with the participating farmers, briefed them in detail about the objectives and expected outcomes of the training programme. He stated that the practical exposure and technical knowledge gained during such visits would not only benefit the participating farmers but also serve as a catalyst for wider adoption of scientific farming practices across the district. 

 The participating farmers expressed their appreciation to the Agriculture Department for organizing the training programme. The farmers also assured that the knowledge gained during the visit would be effectively utilized at the field level and shared with fellow farmers for the overall development of agriculture in the district.

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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