KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma inaugurated a Hi-Tech Polyhouse established under Project No. 3 of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

The polyhouse has been established by Chenab Walnut Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), with the support of the Department of Agriculture as part of the UT Government’s efforts to promote modern, technology-driven and sustainable agricultural practices among farmers.

Chief Agriculture Officer Kushal Chandel apprised the Deputy Commissioner that the polyhouse currently has a full-bloom tomato crop. He informed that the unit is producing around 40–50 kg of organic tomatoes daily.

It was further informed that the 1-kanal polyhouse has generated benefits of approximately ₹80,000 to ₹1 lakh in one month. The organically produced tomatoes are being sold in the local market at a rate of around ₹40–₹50 per kilogram, providing a viable source of income and demonstrating the economic potential of protected cultivation.

The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and the Chenab Walnut FPO in adopting modern agricultural technologies. He stressed the importance of promoting hi-tech and protected cultivation to enhance productivity, improve farm incomes and encourage farmers, particularly in hilly and challenging agro-climatic areas, to adopt innovative agricultural practices.

The DC underscored the significance of HADP interventions in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and directed the concerned officers to continue providing necessary technical guidance and support to farmers and FPOs for successful implementation of such projects. ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal, District Agriculture Officer Manzoor Ahmed Zarger, SDAO Dheeraj Singh and SMS K.K. Koul were present during the visit.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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

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