POONCH: The Department of Agriculture, Poonch today organised a farmers’ awareness camp here at Jhullas to mark the observance of Soil Health Day focusing on this year’s theme ‘Healthy soils for healthy cities.’

The event, presided over by the Joint Director SLUB, Aman Joyti in presence of Agriculture Economist Tilak Raj and Chief Agriculture Officer, Jograj Singh Slathia, witnessed the gathering of hundreds of farmers.

Addressing the gathering, the Joint Director SLUB emphasized the importance of soil sustainability and emphasised that if managed properly, soil can absorb the rainwater, regulate temperature, store carbon and improve air quality which otherwise has remained affected due to the commercial developments in the cities.

The Chief Agriculture Officer highlighted that the department has achieved the full target of distributing 2500 soil health cards. “The targets of distribution of Soil Health Cards and soil sample collection have been fully achieved, while sample analysis is under process,” he added.

Emphasising the importance of the Soil Health Card, he said it is a personalized report of soil, analyzed on 12 key parameters including soil nutrient status for crop-specific recommendations and dose of fertilizer requirement. Soil analysis helps in increasing crop yield, reducing fertilizer cost and improving soil health for long-term productivity and soil sustainability, he informed.

Later, 60 Soil Health Cards were distributed among the farmers by the Joint Director SLUB and Chief Agriculture Officer. The event was also attended by the Subject matter Specialist, Field functionaries, staff of Soil Testing Laboratory Poonch and Krishi Udhaymis of the zone.

 Similar events were also organized at Sub-divisional HQ Surankote and Mendhar with distribution of the soil health card among the local farmers.  Meanwhile, Joint Director Aman Joyti accompanied by Agriculture economist Tilak Raj conducted a detailed review meeting here at Chief Agriculture Office Complex, focusing on the implementation of the agriculture schemes in the district.

During the visit, he inaugurated Custom Hiring Centre established under HADP at village Jhullas and inspected a Mushroom unit and Hi-Tech and Low cost Polygreen houses established by the HADP beneficiaries.

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 👇