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RAMGARH: Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, Hon’ble MLA Ramgarh and Former Minister for Health and Medical Education, J&K, along with Sh. Anil Gupta, Director, Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu, today jointly inaugurated the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration-cum-Facilitation Centre) at Ramgarh, District Samba.

The initiative aims to ensure smooth and transparent procurement of paddy from local farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,369 per quintal for Paddy (Common) and ₹2,389 per quintal for Paddy (Grade-A), thereby providing farmers with fair, assured, and timely returns for their produce.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers through improved procurement facilities, enhanced transparency, and timely disbursement of payments. He emphasized that such centres will play a vital role in strengthening the rural economy, reducing the role of middlemen, and empowering local farming communities.

Dr. Manyal further informed that only a few days earlier, on October 14, 2025, he had inaugurated another Paddy Procurement Mandi at Rajpura. With the establishment of two Paddy Mandis in the Ramgarh Constituency, he noted that the long-standing demand of local farmers has been met, ensuring better accessibility and convenience for paddy procurement in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Jammu, Sh. Anil Gupta, highlighted that the Agriculture Department, in coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI), is committed to ensuring efficient procurement operations and timely payments to farmers. He directed field officers to extend full support to farmers during the procurement process and to ensure that no farmer faces any inconvenience.

Sh. Anil Gupta also urged farmers to make use of the registration-cum-facilitation centres for smooth documentation and quick processing of their procurement claims. He added that awareness campaigns are being intensified through panchayat-level meetings, posters, and social media so that every farmer is well-informed about mandi operations and MSP benefits.

Among those present at the event were Sh. Rakesh Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba; Sh. Sant Navneet Kumar Rana, Divisional Manager, FCI; Sh. Rohit Gandotra, SDAO Samba; Sh. Rakesh Pandit, Kissan President J&K; Sh. Prem Paul, Former Sarpanch; Sh. Surjeet, SMS SDL; Sh. Ram Saroop, and several local farmers and officials from the Agriculture Department.

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). “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