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JAMMU: In line with the Government’s food policy that emphasizes farmers welfare and national food security, a Paddy Procurement Centre was inaugurated today at Village Marh, Sub-Division Marh by Member Legislative Assembly Marh Surinder Kumar, in the presence of a large number of enthusiastic farmers from the area.

The initiative aims to ensure that farmers receive fair and assured prices for their produce and to prevent distress sales by facilitating procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) prescribed by the Government of India for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. The inaugural program was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu Manohar Lal Sharma; Subject Matter Specialist (DL) Rajeev Katoch; Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Khalid Hassan and zonal staff of the Agriculture Department.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Surinder Kumar highlighted that the establishment of procurement centres closer to farmers’ fields will help reduce transportation costs and ensure timely sale and payment for their produce. He reiterated the government’s commitment to uplifting the farming community through transparent procurement systems and farmer-centric reforms.

Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Manohar Lal Sharma, in his address, stated that the Agriculture Department is working in close coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to ensure smooth procurement operations across the district. He urged farmers to bring their paddy to the designated centres and assured them of fair weighing, quality assessment and prompt payments under MSP norms.

Farmers present at the event expressed gratitude to the government and the Agriculture Department for opening the Paddy Procurement Centre in their vicinity, which they said would greatly benefit them by saving time, transportation expenses and ensuring guaranteed returns at MSP.

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