In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: The Department of Horticulture Jammu organized one day workshop on “Capacity Building of Farmers & Extension Workers” at Mega Fruit Plant Nursery, Chakroi under the chairmanship of  Director Horticulture Jammu C. L Sharma.

The Director Horticulture Jammu felicitated Deepak Singha, Founder President, Stone Fruit Association, Himachal Pradesh and acquainted him about the various activities being carried out at MFPN Chakroi. Singha  hailed such a big public sector nursery with latest technologies & infrastructure established in northern India.

Addressing the large gathering of farmers, including women, C. L Sharma elaborated in detail  the Central and UT  schemes of the department especially Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) launched to enhance the farmers' income. He urged the farming community to adopt modern and scientific agricultural techniques, which would significantly enhance production of horticulture and allied sectors. He advised the farmers to frequently interact with the field functionaries of the department regarding the new technologies and to seek  solutions for the problems being faced by them in the fields.

The event saw a large number of participants, with a notable presence of unemployed youth, from Jammu, Samba & Kathua district underscoring the community's keen interest in agricultural development. Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Singha, an expert in Stone Fruit from Himachal Pradesh laid stress on area expansion with good planting material free from any pest diseases. He was of the opinion that this area has good climatic conditions, suitable for cultivation of Stone fruits.

Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Prof. from SKUAST-J also delivered a lecture to the gathering on the occasion. Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu Rakesh Kotwal appealed the farmers to come forward, associate with the horticulture department and avail the benefits on different components viz: Bore Well, water harvesting tanks, Drip irrigation, Custom Hiring Centres, vermicompost units, protected cultivation, tools & implements etc. under various schemes for upliftment of their socio- economic status.

Later, fruit plants of different crops viz: Guava, Citrus, Bael, Aonlawere also distributed among the farmers who participated in the programme. Among others, Vijay Rana, I/c MFPN, Pawan Thakur, DTO, Ajay Gupta, HIPO Jammu, Sandeep Gupta, DLSMS, Arvind Verma, DLSMS, Puvinder Gupta, HDO, Pardeep Dingra, HDO and other officers/officials were also present in the programme.

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
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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