SAMBA: To promote diversification in farming and encourage farmers to explore profitable alternatives, the Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens Jammu organized a one-day district level event on Commercial Floriculture at Samba, drawing an enthusiastic participation of around 250 farmers from different parts of the district.

The programme was aimed at spreading awareness among farmers about modern floriculture techniques, market opportunities and various Union government schemes available for those interested in commercial flower cultivation.

The event featured a technical session and exhibition stalls set up by the Floriculture Department and allied departments, showcasing different floriculture crops, new technologies and support initiatives available for growers. Additional Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Singh attended the programme as the chief guest.

 Addressing the gathering, the ADC appreciated the initiative of the Floriculture Department aimed at bringing farmers and experts on a common platform. He stressed that commercial floriculture can emerge as a highly profitable diversification option for farmers, especially in regions with suitable climatic conditions.

During the technical session, the experts from line departments shared their insights on different aspects of floriculture farming. Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Samba spoke about integrated and scientific approaches in floriculture cultivation, while Vikrant Sharma, Joint Director Floriculture Parks and Gardens Jammu highlighted the growing market demand for flowers and the expanding scope of the floriculture industry.

Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Rakesh Khajuria elaborated on the schemes available under the Agriculture Department, while Chief Horticulture Officer Anil Gorka informed farmers about the support programmes being implemented by the Horticulture Department. Dr. Saurav Gupta, Senior Scientist (Entomology) at KVK Samba delivered a detailed lecture on integrated pest management practices for floriculture crops.

Officials from the Floriculture Department also briefed participants about cultivation techniques and government support initiatives. Assistant Floriculture Officer Atul Sharma explained the schemes available under the department, while Assistant Floriculture Officer Lalita Kumari spoke on the scientific cultivation of the gladiolus crop.

The programme was also attended by Deputy Director Floriculture Parks and Gardens Sunil Singh along with other officers from the department. Farmers actively interacted with experts during the session and visited the exhibition stalls, where they received detailed guidance on improved cultivation practices, pest management techniques and financial assistance schemes related to floriculture.

 The event concluded with a call to farmers to embrace commercial floriculture as a sustainable and income-generating venture, capable of strengthening the agricultural economy of the district.

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