SRINAGAR: In a significant initiative to promote beekeeping as a viable livelihood option and equip beekeepers with the latest scientific practices, the Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir today launched a comprehensive seven-day training program on Scientific Beekeeping across the Kashmir Valley.

The program was inaugurated by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, at Directorate hall Lalmandi Srinagar. The training at Lalmandi serves the central districts, while parallel sessions are being conducted for North Kashmir at the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, and for South Kashmir at the DAK Bungalow, Anantnag.

The training aims to acquaint existing and aspiring beekeepers with modern, scientific methods of apiculture, including colony management, disease prevention, honey extraction techniques, value addition of hive products, and strategies to enhance pollination services for better crop yields, particularly in oilseed and horticultural crops.

Sartaj Ahmad Shah, while inaugurating the program at Lalmandi, emphasized the importance of scientific beekeeping in boosting rural economies, generating employment opportunities, and supporting sustainable agriculture in the region. He highlighted that beekeeping not only provides additional income to farmers but also plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and agricultural productivity through improved pollination.

The seven-day program features expert-led sessions, practical demonstrations, and interactive discussions covering all aspects of modern beekeeping practices tailored to the agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir. Participants include progressive farmers, youth entrepreneurs, and established beekeepers from various districts of the Valley.

This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to diversify agricultural activities, promote allied sectors, and empower rural communities under various developmental schemes. The Directorate of Agriculture Kashmir invites interested beekeepers and stakeholders to actively participate and benefit from this capacity-building effort.

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