The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SRINAGAR: In a significant move toward fortifying India’s agricultural future against the rising challenges of climate change, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir concluded a 21-day ICAR Winter School today at its Shalimar campus. 

The intensive program, ‘Fostering Climate Resilience and Sustainability through Organic and Regenerative Agriculture’, brought together an elite group of 30 scientists and faculty members representing 10 different states and Union Territories, marking a milestone in national collaborative research.

The program was conducted under the supervision of Course Director Prof Parmeet Singh, Chief Scientist of Agronomy, who designed a curriculum that bridged the gap between traditional organic practices and modern regenerative science. Over the course of three weeks, the Directorate of Research transformed into a hub of global intellectual exchange, featuring a rigorous schedule of 40 offline and 10 online sessions delivered by some of the most influential voices in world agriculture.

The academic rigor of the Winter School was underscored by the participation of legendary soil scientist and World Food Prize Laureate, Dr Rattan Lal, whose insights into carbon sequestration and soil health provided a visionary framework for the participants. Other international luminaries included Prof Baghirath Singh Chauhan from the University of Queensland, Australia, and Dr Asmita Murumukar of Ohio State University, USA. The sessions were further enriched by Dr Ramesh Singh, Global Leader for Regenerative Agriculture at ICRISAT, and Dr K Kathiresan, former Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University, alongside specialized resource persons from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and various State Agricultural Universities.

During the valedictory function, Dr Haroon Rashid Naik, Director, Research SKUAST-K, commended the organizers for maintaining a high standard of scientific discourse. The highlights of the program were interactive lectures, practical laboratory work, and field exposure visits that allowed participants to see regenerative principles in action. He encouraged the visiting scientists to act as ambassadors for these "nature-positive" technologies, urging them to implement and scale the knowledge gained within their home institutions to ensure a ripple effect across India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of participation certificates by Chief Guest Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who thanked ICAR for its continued trust in SKUAST-K to lead such vital national initiatives. He said the completion of the Winter School has effectively sown the seeds for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape, positioning Kashmir at the forefront of the global regenerative movement.

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