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

BHADERWAH: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Doda on Monday organised a one-day capacity-building programme under Project No. 16, “Alternate Agriculture Systems for Sustainability,” of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), focusing on “Organic and Natural Farming Practices for Soil Health Management.”

The programme aimed to sensitise departmental personnel to alternative agricultural systems, organic and natural farming practices and sustainable approaches to soil health management and farm productivity. As many as 30 officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments attended the programme.

At the outset, the Head of KVK welcomed the participants and acknowledged the efforts of the organisers and resource persons in facilitating the programme. Dr. Arvinder, Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Extension) and Nodal Officer for the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), introduced the resource persons from KVK Kishtwar and briefed the participants on the existing organic and natural farming clusters in District Doda.

Professor and Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Balbir Dhotra, highlighted the significance of sustainable agricultural practices in improving soil health, enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. He encouraged the participants to adopt innovative and eco-friendly farming systems, emphasising the importance of organic inputs, resource conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Scientist from KVK Kishtwar Dr. Amitesh Sharma deliberated on the future prospects of natural farming and its integration with integrated farming systems. He highlighted the potential of combining sustainable farming approaches to enhance resource-use efficiency, diversify farm-based livelihoods and improve overall farm productivity.

Chief Scientist from KVK Kishtwar Dr. Berjesh Ajrawat underscored the importance of natural farming in promoting sustainable agricultural systems and highlighted its relevance under HADP Project No. 16.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates, followed by an interactive session between the resource persons and participants, providing an opportunity to exchange views and discuss the practical application of sustainable farming practices.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu and the guidance of Dr. S. K. Gupta, Director Research and Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu.

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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