SRINAGAR: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, conducted an extensive tour of Ganderbal district to review agricultural activities and engage with the farming community. The visit focused on promoting sustainable practices and strengthening agricultural initiatives, with interactions centered on apiculture, vegetable cultivation, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and organic farming in key areas, including Patishalbugh Organic Village, Zazna Village, and Kangan.

During the tour, Shah met with farmers involved in apiculture, emphasizing the potential of beekeeping as a sustainable income source. He highlighted the department’s commitment to providing technical support and quality assurance for apiculture products to access broader markets.

In the realm of vegetable cultivation, the Director interacted with farmers to promote crop diversification and modern farming techniques. He reviewed ongoing initiatives under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), encouraging farmers to adopt high-yield, climate-resilient vegetable varieties. He assured the provision of quality seeds, poly houses, and technical guidance to ensure year-round production and improved livelihoods.

He also engaged with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Ganderbal, discussing their role in collective marketing, resource sharing, and value addition. He emphasized the department’s support in strengthening FPOs through training, infrastructure, and market linkages to enhance their operational efficiency and economic impact.

A significant part of the tour included a visit to Patishalbugh Organic Village, where the Director assessed the progress of organic farming initiatives. He interacted with farmers adopting organic practices, praising their efforts in sustainable agriculture and encouraging certification to boost market access.

Director reiterated the department’s commitment to empowering the agricultural community through technology, innovation, and financial support under HADP and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs). He urged farmers to leverage these initiatives for enhanced productivity and profitability, assuring close coordination with field functionaries for pre- and post-harvest support.

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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