The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

JAMMU: Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta today inaugurated the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration-cum-Facilitation Centre) at Udheywala for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. The inaugural programme was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu Manohar Lal Sharma, officers from the Agriculture Department, representatives of FCI and a large number of farmers from the area.

During the visit, the Director Agriculture inspected the preparedness of the procurement mandi and interacted with the farmers. He listened to farmers issues and directed the field staff to ensure that no farmer faces any inconvenience during the procurement process. He also emphasized the need for on-the-spot registration of farmers and instructed that ID generation for farmers must be smooth and hassle free.

The Director Agriculture further directed field officers to intensify awareness campaigns about procurement mandis through panchayat-level groups, posters, banners and social media platforms, so that farmers are well informed about mandi operations.

The Director also instructed the Chief Agriculture Officer, Jammu, to appoint SMS-level officers for effective supervision at procurement mandis and to conduct joint inspections of the mandi sites along with FCI officials. He stressed the need for timely processing of bills to ensure prompt payment to farmers.

Discussions were also held on the provision of uniform cleaning charges, timely supply of gunny bags and adequate logistical support at the procurement centres through effective coordination between FCI and the Agriculture Department.

For the current Kharif season, a total of 26 Paddy Procurement Centres will be operational across Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts to facilitate smooth procurement operations. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been notified as ₹2,389 per quintal for Grade A paddy and ₹2,369 per quintal for Common Grade paddy with cleaning charges fixed at ₹50 per quintal.

Among others present on the occasion included Divya Sharma (Quality Inspector, FCI);  Sanjeev Khajuria (I/c Procurement Cell, DoAJ);  Suman Koul (I/c AEO, Pouni Chak);  Surinder Radotra (I/c JAEO)’;  Madhu Rani (I/c JAEO);  Abid Hussain Shah (AEA);  Anshu Banotra (AEA) and staff members of Sub-Division Marh.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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