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

JAMMU: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) , Agriculture Production Department (APD), Shailendra Kumar, today chaired a Pre-Budget meeting to review and discuss the Revised Estimates (RE) 2025-26 and Budget Estimates (BE) 2026-27 for the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors of Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting focused on a detailed review of expenditure and proposed allocations under CAPEX, HADP, SASCI, CSS and NABARD.

Present in the meeting were Secretary in APD, Director Finance APD,, Director (Planning) APD,  Managing Director JKAGROS; Secretary Kisan Advisory Board; Director Agriculture, Director Horticulture, Director CAD Jammu; Director Sericulture; representatives of SKUAST-J & SKUAST-K; Joint Directors of Agriculture and allied sectors;  Deputy Director Agriculture (Planning); Chief Agriculture and Horticulture Officers of Jammu Division, scientists and senior officers of the department while officers from the Kashmir Division participated virtually.

During the meeting, the ACS emphasized that special attention is being given to ensure expenditure under HADP, CSS and CAPEX aligns with long-term infrastructure development goals of the agriculture and horticulture sectors. He conducted an extensive review of CSS components under Krishonnati Yojana, highlighting flagship schemes including PMKSY, PDMC, SMAM, RAD, RKVY, PKVY, ATMA, NFSM, and others aimed at promoting rural prosperity and farm sustainability.

He issued clear instructions to all the departments under the APD to integrate awareness on stray animal management during every extension activity, noting that this is also in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court. He stressed that stray animals must not be seen within office premises and directed that Nodal Officers be appointed in each department to monitor and manage stray animal–related responsibilities.

Reviewing the PDMC component, he stressed strengthening of the micro-irrigation initiatives. He directed the officers to enhance farmer awareness regarding micro-irrigation facilities and associated subsidies. He added that the greatest benefits must reach the farmers who have adequate water availability for irrigation expansion. He further instructed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) be circulated to all departments, ensuring that no work is executed outside approved project guidelines. He directed all the departments to submit Utilization Certificates (UCs) and ensure financial achievements are reported within one month.

ACS also reviewed the progress on JKCIP, discussed existing bottlenecks and directed that year-wise targets be communicated to all Chief Officers for effective and timely implementation. The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated efforts across all wings of the Agriculture Production Department to ensure efficient budgeting, timely project execution and strengthened farmer-centric service delivery.

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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