DODA: The SKUAST-Jammu Agri-Business Incubator (ABI) Foundation today organized an online awareness programme on the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana-PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme to educate and motivate youth, farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators of Doda district about opportunities in agri-business and startup development.

PM-RKVY (Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana), revamped as RKVY-RAFTAAR, is a flagship Centrally Sponsored umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. It aims to make farming a profitable economic activity by strengthening infrastructure, mitigating farmer risks and promoting agri-entrepreneurship and innovation

The virtual session was telecast live through video conferencing at Government Higher Secondary School Gai Dessa, where students and participants attended the programme with great enthusiasm. The proceedings of the programme were jointly conducted by Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, Dr. Yamini Raut from the ABIC team and Hiteeshwar Kishore Thakur, President Dessa Multipurpose FPO Cooperative Ltd, Doda and a 10th-batch incubatee of the ABI Foundation.

The programme was attended by the host school Principal Ranjeet Singh, along with teaching staff, students and local youth, who evinced keen interest in understanding the scheme and its implementation.

During the session, Prof. Jyoti Kachroo elaborated on the components and benefits of the PM-RKVY scheme, particularly focusing on startup incubation, innovation support, financial assistance and entrepreneurship development in the agriculture sector. She highlighted the significant role being played by the SKUAST-J ABI Foundation in promoting agri-based startups and creating employment avenues for rural youth. She also encouraged students and young innovators to take advantage of incubation facilities and the Student Financial Assistance Programme to transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The interactive session provided valuable guidance regarding business planning, market linkages, value addition in agriculture, food processing opportunities and self-employment generation through agri-entrepreneurship. Participants appreciated the initiative and sought more such awareness programmes in remote areas of the district.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the commitment of SKUAST-J ABI Foundation towards strengthening the agri-startup ecosystem and empowering rural communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural development.

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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