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

BUDGAM: The Regional Cum Facilitation Centre Northern Region-II (RCFC NR-II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, SKUAST-K, today organized a Training-cum-Awareness Programme on “Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Valley” at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam.

The programme aimed to promote the scientific cultivation, conservation and commercialization of high-value medicinal plants of the Kashmir Valley while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers, youth and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Bilal Ahmad Lone, Head, KVK Pulwama, highlighted the rich diversity of medicinal plant resources found in the Kashmir Valley. He stressed the importance of conserving these valuable bioresources and adopting sustainable utilization practices to enhance rural livelihoods and ensure their long-term preservation.

Dr. Sofi Imtiyaz Ali, Project Manager, RCFC NR-II, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the agro-techniques, post-harvest management and market linkages of commercially important medicinal plants of the Kashmir Valley. He emphasized the vast scope for medicinal plant-based enterprises and underlined the initiatives undertaken by RCFC NR-II to promote the conservation, cultivation and commercialization of medicinal plants across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

During the programme, participants were also sensitized about various schemes and financial assistance available under the NMPB, for the cultivation, processing and value addition of medicinal plants.

The programme concluded with an appeal to participants to adopt scientific cultivation practices, explore medicinal plant-based entrepreneurship and make effective use of the technical guidance and institutional support available through RCFC NR-II for developing sustainable livelihood opportunities. 

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs, youth and other stakeholders, besides scientific and technical staff of KVK Budgam and the RCFC NR-II team.

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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