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SRINAGAR: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, today visited the Integrated Mushroom Development Centre (IMDC) at Lalmandi, Srinagar, to review its operations and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting mushroom cultivation across the Kashmir division.

During the visit, the Director took a detailed round of the centre's key sections, including the Spawn Production Centre, Pasteurized Compost Unit, Mushroom Research Laboratory, and other facilities. He interacted extensively with officers, scientists, and technical staff to assess the centre's functioning, production capacities, and support extended to mushroom growers.

The IMDC serves as a crucial hub for providing high-quality spawn, compost, and technical guidance to farmers, bridging the gap between research and practical application in mushroom farming. 

Highlighting the vast potential of mushroom cultivation in the Valley, the Director emphasized that Kashmir’s favourable agro-climatic conditions make it ideally suited for commercial mushroom production and highlighted its role in enhancing farmers' income, promoting agri-entrepreneurship, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to nutritional security.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director said, "Mushroom cultivation holds tremendous promise for the farming community in Kashmir. The Integrated Mushroom Development Centre is playing a pivotal role as a vital link between growers and the Department of Agriculture. We are committed to introducing modern technologies, ensuring availability of quality inputs, and commercializing this high-value crop to improve the socio-economic status of our farmers."

He directed the officers to intensify awareness campaigns among farmers about the benefits of mushroom farming, expand capacity-building programs, and strengthen market linkages for better returns. The visit underscores the Department's ongoing efforts under various schemes to boost scientific mushroom production and support progressive growers in the region. Joint Director Agriculture Inputs and Joint Director Mushroom were also present on the occasion.

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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