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

SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir today hosted a competence building workshop, aimed at establishing a robust, credible database for demand and price dynamics in the region's agricultural economy.  The event was jointly organized by the SKUAST-K’s Institute of Business, Policy and Research (IBPR) and Division of Agricultural Economics & Statistics (AE&S), faculty of Agriculture, Wadura.

The workshop forms a key activity under the MeitY-sponsored R&D project titled, “E-Marketing Ecosystem in J&K,” which is specifically mandated to obtain verifiable data on various demand aspects in relation to price fluctuations. Scientists from the Division of AE&S, project investigators, and all participating RAWE students attended the session.

Prof Sajad A Saraf of Division of Agricultural Economics & Statistics, FoA, underscored the paramount importance of reliable data in effective decision-making and policy formulation. He highlighted the rapid rise of digital gadgets in daily life and emphasized that young professionals must acquire skills in data collection and processing. 

Dr Bilal A. Bhat, Head, Division of Agricultural Extension and Communication, FoA Wadura, deliberated on the essential nature of effective communication and keen listening skills, stressing that historical consumer behaviour data will crucially inform the future trajectory of the burgeoning startup culture in the region.

 Principal Investigator of MEITY-sponsored e-marketing project provided a comprehensive presentation detailing the urgent need to create a policy ecosystem based on evidence-based inferences, cautioning against the risks of "Miss-fit Policies" resulting from dubious or unauthentic available data sets. 

During the session, a  detailed insights was given into how SKUAST-K, in collaboration with CDAC Kolkata, will develop an AI-based Electronic Market Ecosystem for the seamless trade of major crops, including Apple, Walnut, and Saffron. 

During the interactive session, participants contributed valuable inputs on data sets that could be employed to provide more advanced marketing services to farmers, traders, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

The goal of establishing a robust, data-based Decision Support System (DSS) and digital marketing ecosystem aimed at empowering farmers and modernizing the agricultural economy of Jammu & Kashmir was reinforced in the workshop.

Participants were also made aware of the upcoming ‘Grand Challenge’, an opportunity to pitch innovative ideas in advanced marketing, robotics, and AI-enabled systems specific to the major crops of the region. 

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇