In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

DODA: A Capacity Building Programme for FPO members and farmers was successfully organised today at Manwah village- Bhalra, by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Doda coordinated the programme held under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, Prof. B. N. Tripathi and Mission Director (HADP/JKCIP), Sandeep Kumar. An FPO–Bank Interaction Programme was organised at Bhaderwah with the objective of strengthening financial inclusion and institutional convergence.

The programme was conducted under the framework of the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in UT of Jammu and Kashmir (JKCIP).The objective was to enhance credit linkage, facilitate access to institutional finance and creating awareness among Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and individual farmers of the region.

During the interaction, representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Amresh Kumar and Aankush from Reliance Insurance engaged directly with FPO members and individual farmers. They provided detailed information on credit-linked schemes, institutional finance, working capital support, crop insurance and loan products designed for FPOs under JKCIP and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Farmers actively participated in discussions on access to finance, collateral requirements, interest subvention, repayment mechanisms and the role of banks and insurance agencies in supporting agribusiness and allied sectors. The programme was coordinated by the FPO Development Officer, Arsalan Ganai, ensuring smooth organisation and effective interaction among all stakeholders.

Officers from the Agriculture Department also participated in the programme and interacted with farmers. They distributed organic inputs and materials among the farmers operating in Organic Cluster Manwah. The FPO members and farmers highlighted key challenges such as limited working capital, market linkages, risk coverage and procedural constraints in availing institutional credit, while expressing their commitment to scaling up agriculture and allied enterprises through collective action.

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
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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