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RAJOURI: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rajouri of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies of Jammu, organised 14th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting today in the Conference Hall of KVK Rajouri under the chairmanship of Dr BN Tripathi, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-J in hybrid mode.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Amrish Vaid Director Extension, Dr. S.K Gupta Director, Dr. Vijay Sharma, ADE, Dr. Vikas Sharma, CS Incharge, RARS of SKUAST-Jammu, District officers, representatives from line departments of Rajouri and progressive farmers and farm women. Deans of Faculties of Agriculture, Veterinary, Dairy Technology and Horticulture Forestry also joined the meeting through online mode.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu and Chairman of the SAC, Prof. BN Tripathi, amalgamated the meeting through the virtual mode and called for making sincere efforts in transferring the technologies to farmer’s field. He also stressed for periodic assessment of impact of KVK programmes permeated through various Front Line Extension activities.

He emphasised on widening the KVK outreach to remote and far-off areas so that the University technologies are made available to each and every farmer of these areas. He also called for involvement of experts from all the faculties in planning and conducting adaptive research, demonstrations and field extension activities. HVC also directed the KVK scientists to work in unison with the allied departments for formulating the action plan suited to the common problems of the district.

Dr Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, highlighted the contribution of SAC in refining, fine-tunning and strengthening KVK activities for the welfare of the farming community. He called for tailoring the capacity building programmes of the KVK in line with the emerging challenges in the agriculture and laid special emphasis for trainings on mushroom cultivation and bee keeping. He called for inclusion of the University varieties, especially oilseeds, in the FLDs and focus on the eco-friendly technologies for the management of pests and diseases in crops due to growing concern towards organic and sustainable practices.

Dr Sushil Kumar Gupta, Director Research emphasized on popularizing the released varieties of SKUAST-Jammu among farmers. He advised the KVK to propose trainings on cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic plants. Dr M.S. Badwal, Dean F.V.Sc. emphasised on popularization of area specific mineral mixtures for cattle.  Dr Vikas Tandon, Dean Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. Arvind Kumar Ishar, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Rajouri, presented the Action Taken Report of the previous SAC meeting, achievements of the KVK and the proposed Action Plan of KVK-Rajouri for the year 2026-27.

Later, the members of the committee suggested various additions in the action plan and requested for inclusion of more income generating technologies and trainings for the farmers.

Rajesh Verma, Chief Agriculture Officer, Rajouri, Bodh Raj, AD Fisheries, DL SMS, Horticulture Rajouri, Dr. Sheryar, VO, Animal Husbandry and other representatives of allied departments also gave theri suggestions during the meeting. Dr. Suraj Parkash, Dr. Vikas Gupta, Dr. Rohit Sharma and Dr. Parul Gupta Scientists of KVK and RARS were also present and coordinated in organizing the said meeting. 

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