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

PULWAMA: Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing today organized the 4th Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) Meet of 2025-26, under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) at Conference Hall, SIDCO, Lasipora, Pulwama. The event marked an important step towards strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

The meet was inaugurated by Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, who briefed the audience about the significance of Multi-Stakeholder Platform meets for overall development of Agri/Horticulture Sector.

While addressing the gathering, the Director emphasized the upliftment of the farming community through flagship initiatives such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and JKCIP. He urged all participants to actively raise their concerns, challenges, and suggestions on such platforms to enable effective, inclusive, and farmer-centric policy formulation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains, improving market access, and enhancing farmers’ incomes.

The meet witnessed an overwhelming response from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Presidents from Fruit & Vegetable Markets of Jablipora, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag besides FPOs, progressive farmers, CA store operators, entrepreneurs, industrialists from processing & packaging sector, traders and HADP/JKCIP beneficiaries. The platform facilitated threadbare and constructive discussions on critical issues related to supply chain management, marketing linkages, post-harvest infrastructure, and institutional financing.

The concerns and suggestions raised by participants were addressed in detail by the concerned officers of various departments. The various issues raised by the beneficiaries of Kissan Khidmat Ghars (KKG) and Rural Business & Service Hubs (RBSH) established under HADP were also discussed.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, wherein the Dy.Director Central, Horticulture Planning and Marketing, felicitated the dignitaries, and experts from various institutions in recognition of their valuable contributions and support. The meet successfully reinforced the spirit of collaboration and dialogue, paving the way for sustainable growth and development of the agriculture and horticulture sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.

The event was also attended by the Functional Manager District Industries Centre (DIC) Pulwama, Officers from Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department and JK Horticulture Processing & Marketing Corporation, experts from SKUAST Kashmir, along with officers from various financial institutions.

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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