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

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated first of its kind Buyer-Seller meet, organized by the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing (HP&M) to bridge the gap between the farmers and the market.

The Minister visited the stalls of various FPOs and entrepreneurs and interacted with the participants. He instructed the Director HP&M for handholding the entrepreneurs, sharing the information of government interventions and schemes with them.

While addressing at the event, the Minister appreciated the department for organizing the first Buyer-Seller meet for promotion and development of horticulture sector. This will facilitate the growers to harvest prolific benefits of their produce in the national market. He emphasized on realization of government’s envisioned goals of the Horticulture Department.

Javid Dar urged the growers to think innovatively and adopt modern production techniques for increasing their yield. He highlighted the significance of diversification of crops and also called for promotion of indigenous varieties of crops.

Regarding the demand for curbing import of spurious fertilizers and pesticides damaging crop production, the Minister assured that a separate enforcement wing shall be created to maintain strict vigil on selling of substandard quality of fertilizers and pesticides in the market.

Javid Dar stated that affirmative action shall be initiated to reform the system and more labs shall be established to check the quality of imported horticulture inputs. He said that all the stakeholders need to remain updated with the information of empanelled agencies with the department and also asked them to register with eNAM.

Meanwhile, Javid Dar highlighted the subsidies being offered by the department for CA stores, Reefer Vans, Portable Grading Lines and Packaging materials. Earlier, Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Ghulam Jeelani, shed light on the progress of the department.  He shared insights regarding the HADP, JKCIP, linking of fruit mandies,  vision of the department, introduction of technology, target groups and other strides.

During the program, a presentation on implementation of JKCIP was also given to educate the participants about the project. Various representatives of associations, entrepreneurs and progressive farmers also spoke on the occasion. They highlighted the requirement of interventions of government, expectations, experience, feasibility for growth of the Horticulture sector and its role and contribution in GDP.

The meet was attended by representatives of Fruit Growers Associations, Traders, Entrepreneurs, Buyers both Local and from other States, officers and officials of Agriculture Production Department and HP&M department.

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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