JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma today underscored the critical role of scientific innovation, technology integration and climate-resilient practices in transforming agriculture into a sustainable and economically viable sector in Jammu & Kashmir.

He was speaking  at the Foundation Day celebration of Unati Agri Allied & Marketing Multi-State Cooperative Society Limited, organized in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, J&K UT. Themed “Sustainable Agriculture through Scientific Interventions,” the event brought together scientists, policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs and youth from across the region.

The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment towards empowering the farmers by promoting modern agricultural techniques, facilitating access to renewable energy solutions and creating a strong linkage between research institutions, cooperatives, and rural communities.

 â€œAgriculture today must go beyond subsistence. It must be smart, sustainable and scalable. Through scientific interventions and robust policy support, we are enabling the farmers to become self-reliant, tech-savvy and economically empowered,” the Minister said.

The Minister lauded the efforts of Unati Agri Allied Cooperative and the Science & Technology Department in organizing a knowledge-driven platform that aligns with the vision of climate-smart, tech-enabled agriculture. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to support such initiatives and ensure greater outreach, funding support and policy facilitation to realize the full potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural sector.

The programme witnessed the participation of several distinguished dignitaries and domain experts. These included Advisor, PU–IIT Ropar, Northern Cluster, Dr Jatinder Kaur, Director, Agriculture Department, J&K, Additional Director, J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Dr Nasir Shah,  Regional Head, JAKEDA, Deepak Sharma and other senior officials.

Key highlights of the event included expert sessions on organic farming, regenerative practices, biotechnology and precision agriculture, demonstrations on the use of solar and renewable energy in farming, including initiatives under the KUSUM scheme, awareness on government-supported schemes to promote agri-entrepreneurship and aroma cultivation, emphasis on integrating youth and startups into the agricultural innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Nasir Shah called for strengthening the bridge between science and field-level practices. Dr. Jatinder Kour Arora advocated for a convergence model involving research institutions, cooperatives, and technology startups to scale sustainable solutions across agro-climatic zones.

The participants, including farmers, students and Agri-preneurs were sensitized about initiatives led by JKSTIC and JAKEDA, including installation of solar pumps under the KUSUM scheme, promotion of aroma farming clusters for high-value low-footprint agriculture.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇