• MLA Jammu North urges farmers to adopt modern horticulture practices

JAMMU: The Department of Horticulture Jammu organised an awareness camp-cum-plantation drive at Bhalwal to generate awareness among farmers about horticulture development programmes and to promote environmental conservation through plantation. More than 300 farmers, orchardists, Panchayat representatives and members of the local community participated.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Member Legislative Assembly Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma highlighted the importance of horticulture in strengthening the rural economy and enhancing farmers' income. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the welfare schemes being implemented by the Department of Horticulture and adopt modern methods and practices. He also stressed the need to protect the environment through large-scale plantation and public participation.

Addressing the participants, Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu Rakesh Kotwal appealed the farmers to avail benefits under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP). These schemes provide financial assistance for the establishment of orchards, protected cultivation, irrigation facilities, farm mechanisation, post-harvest infrastructure, quality planting material and other horticulture-related activities aimed at increasing productivity and income.

District Level Subject Matter Specialist (Pomology) Vishal Magotra delivered a technical presentation on scientific orchard management, disease management and water conservation. The District Panchayat Officer and the Block Development Officer assured full cooperation in spreading awareness about government schemes among the farming community through Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Experts interacted with the farmers and addressed their queries. Informative literature on horticulture schemes was distributed among the participants. Among those present were District Panchayat Officer Jammu, Block Development Officer Bhalwal, Horticulture Development Officer Bhalwal and officers of the Horticulture and Rural Development Departments. As part of the event, fruit saplings were planted by the dignitaries, officers, farmers and local residents.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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