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

SHOPIAN: The 14th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of KVK Shopian and the 20th SAC Meeting of KVK Kulgam were held today at the Conference Hall of KVK Shopian under the chairmanship of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir. Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay, MLA, Shopian, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, was the Guest of Honour.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Najeeb-ur-Rehman Sofi, Associate Director Research, MRCFC Khudwani; Head, Research Station Sallar; Programme Coordinators of KVKs of the Kashmir Division; officers from the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Sheep Husbandry Departments; scientists from KVK Shopian, KVK Kulgam, and AARC Pahnoo; along with progressive and champion farmers from the districts of Shopian and Kulgam.

Addressing the gathering, Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay commended the farmer-centric initiatives of both KVKs and assured continued support for agricultural development. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai lauded the outstanding work of KVK Shopian and KVK Kulgam in improving farmers' livelihoods and emphasized the promotion of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), value addition, agri-entrepreneurship, and market-oriented farming for sustainable agricultural growth.

At the outset, Welcoming the participants, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth highlighted the importance of SAC meetings in strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages. She also  congratulated KVK Shopian on the release of its bulletin (Success Story), 3rd Newsletter, and extension folders, appreciating the scientific staff for effectively disseminating university technologies to farmers.

 Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri, Head, KVK Shopian, and the Head, KVK Kulgam, presented the Annual Progress Reports (2025–26) and Annual Action Plans (2026–27), showcasing achievements in technology dissemination, farmer capacity building, and sustainable agriculture.

Representatives of the line departments appreciated the initiatives of both KVKs and emphasized greater convergence, while progressive farmers shared positive feedback on the impact of KVK interventions on farm productivity and income. The meeting concluded with an interactive discussion and valuable recommendations from scientists, departmental officers, and farmers.

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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