JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas conducted a tour of the Block Bhalwal in Akhnoor area to review ongoing horticulture development activities and interact with farmers benefiting from departmental initiatives.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Chief Horticulture Officer, R. K. Kotwal; District Level Subject Matter Specialist (DLSMS) Rakesh Kumar Bhagat; HDO Block Bhalwal Ravinder Kumar and HDO Akhnoor Sandeep Sharma.

The Deputy Commissioner inspected several orchards and horticulture units in the area, where he interacted with beneficiaries and assessed the progress of dragon fruit cultivation being promoted by the department. He inspected dragon fruit orchard of beneficiary Shamsher Singh at Purkhoo and appreciated the farmer for switching to high-value fruit crops. Later, he visited the dragon fruit orchard of beneficiary Vijay Kumar, where he reviewed the cultivation practices and encouraged farmers to diversify towards innovative horticulture crops.

The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the Government Fruit Plant Nursery, Garhi Mishriwala, where he reviewed the availability and quality of planting material being produced for distribution among farmers. The tour concluded with a visit to the dragon fruit orchard of Dr. Gafoor, where the Deputy Commissioner interacted with the grower and highlighted the importance of modern horticulture practices for enhancing farmers’ income.

The officers accompanying the Deputy Commissioner briefed him about the progress of horticulture development programmes in the area and the increasing interest of farmers in cultivating dragon fruit - a high-value crop. 

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

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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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here