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JAMMU: The Department of Horticulture Jammu organized a Farmers’ Training Programme under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) at Udheywala, here today. The programme was graced by the Director Horticulture, Jammu, Jenab Gul Syed as the chief guest.

Among the distinguished dignitaries present were Prof. Vikas Tandon, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J); Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu, R.K. Kotwal; Professor Dr. Amit Jasrotia; Associate Professor Dr. Monika Reshi; DLSMS Jammu, Rakesh Kumar Bhagat; HDO Akhnoor, Sandeep Sharma; HDO Bhalwal, Ravinder Kumar; along with field staff of the respective zones.

While addressing the farmers, the Director delivered a comprehensive lecture emphasizing the importance of adopting modern horticulture practices, high-density plantation systems, integrated pest management and scientific orchard management to enhance productivity and increase farmers’ income. He urged the farming community to avail advantage of the benefits being provided under JKCIP for strengthening horticulture infrastructure and improving market linkages.

Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu, R.K. Kotwal also delivered a detailed lecture highlighting various departmental schemes, orchard rejuvenation practices and the significance of quality planting material. He encouraged farmers to maintain close coordination with field functionaries for better technical guidance and timely support.

Prof. Vikas Tandon, Dr. Amit Jasrotia and Dr. Monika Reshi elaborated on improved cultivation techniques, disease management practices and the importance of certified planting material. The experts also interacted with the farmers and addressed their queries in detail. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of farmers of the area, who appreciated the initiative of the Department in organizing such awareness and capacity-building programmes at the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, another Farmers’ Training Programme under JKCIP was organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra R.S. Pura. The training programme was attended by distinguished dignitaries including DLSMS, Vishal Magotra, Dr. Muneeshwar Sharma, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Muneshwer Sharma, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) R.S. Pura, Dheeraj Sharma along with field staff of the Department.

During the programme, experts delivered detailed lectures on improved cultivation techniques, quality planting material, soil health management and effective implementation of government-sponsored schemes. Farmers actively participated in interactive sessions and sought technical guidance for improving productivity and income.

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