POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a comprehensive meeting to review the progress and implementation of Agriculture and Allied sector government schemes in the district. The meeting was convened with the objective of strengthening inter-departmental coordination, ensuring timely execution of government initiatives and maximizing benefits for the farming community.

During the meeting, officers from the concerned departments presented updates on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and outlined future plans being implemented in their respective sectors. Focus areas included enhancing productivity, strengthening value-addition chains, expanding allied activities such as fisheries, floriculture and sericulture and improving farmer outreach.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the set targets and achievements made so far and identified existing gaps. He directed the concerned officers to organise block and village-level camps to intensify farmer awareness and ensure maximum coverage of eligible beneficiaries under government schemes.

The Deputy Commissioner further instructed the departments to explore the introduction of saffron cultivation and increase fruit plantation drives in the district. He emphasized the strengthening of Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) as effective centres for both collection and distribution services. The Animal Husbandry Department was asked to establish a hatchery unit in the district to support poultry farmers.

Underscoring the importance of convergence, the Deputy Commissioner instructed all departments to achieve the target set for the current financial year, ensure effective field-level monitoring and engage with farmers actively to achieve holistic and sustainable agricultural growth across Poonch district.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, DIO NIC, Deputy Director Sericulture, Assistant Director Fisheries, Lead District Manager, Assistant Floriculture Officer, Area Grading & Marketing Officer and the District Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Poonch.

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