SRINAGAR: A delegation led by Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, accompanied by representatives of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Resilient Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation included Dr. Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research and Innovation, and Dr. Sean Mayes, Global Research Program Director, ICRISAT.

They briefed the Chief Minister on the organization’s global contributions in crop research and fodder production, highlighting scientific advancements and best practices adopted across different regions. The team also apprised the Chief Minister of their visit to J&K and interactions with senior government functionaries. During the meeting, the delegation emphasized both the immense potential and the challenges in strengthening the agriculture and allied sectors in J&K. The Chief Minister observed that changing climate patterns have made precipitation less reliable, posing new challenges for the farming community.

He observed that Jammu and Kashmir, while having a substantial demand for livestock products, continues to depend heavily on imports to meet local requirements. Given that livestock rearing necessitates large quantities of fodder, much of which is presently sourced from outside J&K, there exists considerable scope for enhancing indigenous fodder production. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed that SKUAST-Kashmir can play a pivotal role in achieving greater self-reliance in this critical sector.

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