SRINAGAR: The Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir organised the live telecast of the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) today, a landmark initiative aimed at catalysing agricultural growth across 100 agri-districts in the country.

The event drew an enthusiastic gathering of around 240 participants, comprising progressive farmers from different districts of the Kashmir Valley, along with students, scientists, and extension officials of the University. Participants attentively listened to the Prime Minister’s address, which outlined the government’s vision for transforming Indian agriculture through convergence, innovation, and farmer empowerment.

The PM-DDKY, with an annual outlay of Rs 24,000 crore for six years starting FY 2025–26, seeks to enhance productivity, promote crop diversification, improve irrigation and storage infrastructure, and ensure credit access for farmers. The scheme builds upon the success of the Aspirational District Programme and aims to directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers across India through saturation-based convergence of 36 Central schemes implemented by 11 Ministries.

Speaking on the occasion, Associate Director Extension (Agriculture) SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Amal Saxena,  highlighted the importance of the PM-DDKY in strengthening the rural economy and empowering farmers of Jammu and Kashmir through focused and integrated interventions across agriculture and allied sectors.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers expressed optimism that the new initiatives would boost agricultural sustainability, improve farm incomes, and contribute significantly to the overall economic development of the region.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇