SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today chaired the 67th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Produce and Marketing Corporation (JKHPMC) at Civil Secretariat here.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D Vaidya; Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Secretary Transport Department, Avny Lavasa; MD NHB, GoI, Priya Rajan; MD JKHPMC, Mohd. Farooq Dar; Director Horticulture (P&M)J&K, Gulam Jeelani Zargar; Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand; Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Sayed; Professor & Head Division of Agriculture Economic, Agri-business ,SKUAST-J, Director Finance, Agriculture Production Department, Head of Food Technology, SKUAST-K, and other concerned officers either in person and through video conferencing.

During the meeting, the BoDs held detailed deliberations on various development projects of the Corporation both under execution as well as the ones being implemented during the current financial year under CAPEX Budget. The Board also reviewed the Corporation’s financial and operational performance during the previous year and took stock of progress made on the ongoing projects and initiatives.

The Board, during the meeting, also discussed the projects completed like common incubation centre for processing of Apple, Fruits and vegetables at Doabgah Sopore, common incubation centre for processing of fish and marine products at Achabal, common incubation centre for processing of Bakery and Dairy products at Narwal and similar under apple cluster development programme Shiopan (CSS-NHB), 55 Horticultural Cluster identified of which 12 have been selected for pilot lunch of the programme and 29 projects under HADP.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister Javid Dar impressed upon the management of the Corporation to optimise its operations and use of assets besides exploring new areas to maximize its potential. He emphasized on enhancing the corporation’s assets with technical expertise to meet current market demands and uplift cooperation.

 He also delved on them to bring technological diversification in the Corporation so that it can compete with present industries of food sector. The Minister further emphasized on the importance of fostering innovation, enhancing market outreach, and ensuring the welfare of the agricultural community in the region by promoting hi-tech horticulture activities. “Foster cooperation among stakeholders to promote horticulture development in Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.

The Minister underlined that consultants from European countries had previously visited to study this sector, underscoring its historical significance and potential for growth. European consultants have shown interest in the region’s horticulture sector, indicating its global relevance, he added.  He emphasized the need to tap into this potential to drive growth and development in the sector. Earlier, MD, JKHPMC gave a detailed presentation on the progress of various ongoing projects of the corporation as well as other related aspects of the JKHPMC.

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