JAMMU: The Divisional Level Committee constituted for fixation of procurement and sale rates of Potato Seed Tubers and Open Pollinated Vegetable Seeds for the Spring/Kharif 2026 season met today under the chairmanship of the Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu Anil Gupta here at Krishi Bhawan Talab Tillo.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), Dr. Ashwani Sharma; Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Aman Jyoti Sharma; Agronomist (Vegetable Improvement Scheme), Vikas Padha; Potato Development Officer, Raj Singh Sumbria; Professor of Department Vegetable Sciences and Floriculture, SKUAST-J, Dr. Anil Bushan, Accounts Officer, Vriti Uppal; Divisional Seed Certification Officer (DSCO), Nirmal Prakash Sharma; Technical Officer HADP, Raj Kumar besides other officers and staff.

Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah participated in the meeting through video conferencing. Detailed and threadbare discussion was held on the relevant parameters to finalize the procurement and sale rates of open pollinated vegetable seeds and potato seed tubers (Hill Varieties) for the Spring/Kharif 2026 season.

The Director Jammu stressed the need to ensure timely availability of high-quality vegetable and potato seeds to farmers. “In addition to open pollinated varieties, hybrid vegetable seeds shall also be made available, with more than 25 percent of the total supply comprising hybrid seeds,” he directed. The Agronomist was instructed to collect district-wise demand from the Chief Agriculture Officers, clearly indicating major crops and their varieties.

The Joint Director SLUB/Farms was  asked to strictly adhere to the mandated cropping pattern at departmental farms. Highlighting the emerging trend of urban farming, he also suggested inclusion of vegetable seed mini-kits during procurement to facilitate urban growers. After due deliberations, the Committee finalized the procurement rates for seeds of major vegetable crops and potato seed tubers for the forthcoming season.

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

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