UDHAMPUR: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacity and promoting modern, sustainable agricultural practices, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa today flagged off a group of 30 farmers for an inter-state exposure visit to Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur.

The exposure visit is being organised jointly by the offices of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office Ramnagar and SDAO Udhampur, under the HADP project Promotion of Commercial Floriculture, funded under the CAPEX Budget 2026–27.

The primary objective of the exposure visit is to acquaint local farmers with modern agricultural techniques, commercial floriculture practices and sustainable farming technologies being demonstrated at the premier agricultural university in Palampur.

The initiative is expected to provide participating farmers with practical knowledge and exposure that can be adapted to local conditions to enhance agricultural productivity and farm incomes.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer Vikas Padha; District Agriculture Officer Sudhir Manhas; Agriculture Chemist Sunil Gupta; SDAO Ramnagar Ashwani Abrol and SDAO Udhampur Darshan Sharma, besides other senior officers and officials of the Agriculture Department.

While interacting with the farmers, the Deputy Commissioner encouraged them to make the most of the exposure visit by actively engaging with agricultural experts and gaining practical insights into advanced floriculture and sustainable farming practices. He urged them to adopt suitable modern and eco-friendly techniques in their fields to improve productivity, diversify farm activities and enhance their income.

The participating farmers expressed enthusiasm and keen interest in learning about commercial floriculture, modern farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. They also expressed gratitude to the District Administration and the Agriculture Department for facilitating the valuable learning opportunity.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated and released an informative book on Natural Farming, compiled by the Office of SDAO, Ramnagar. Based on the theme Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy Life, the booklet seeks to promote chemical-free, low-cost and sustainable farming practices by encouraging the use of traditional resources and natural inputs.

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

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