SRINAGAR: The IFAD Start-up Mission under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) commenced today at SKUAST-Kashmir. The five-day mission (Oct 13–17) aims to strengthen implementation readiness and foster coordination among project teams and stakeholders.

The inaugural session was chaired by Mission Director, HADP/JKCIP, Sandeep Kumar, in the presence of Prof. H.R. Naik, Director Research SKUAST-Kashmir, representatives from IFAD, line departments, faculty from SKUAST-Kashmir and SKUAST-Jammu, and JKCIP coordinators. In his address, Sandeep Kumar outlined the project’s vision and stressed interdepartmental synergy vital for effective implementation.

Meera Mishra, Country Coordinator, and James Marc de Sousa Shields, Country Director, IFAD, reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to building a resilient, market-led, and inclusive agri-development ecosystem in J&K. Several publications were unveiled during the session, including Bimonthly JKCIP Newsletter; Training Curriculum for Capacity Building; Farmers’ Scheme Guide (Revised Edition) and Curriculum on Horticulture Promotion.

Technical presentations by Dr. Rizwan Qureshi, Gitika Goswami, and Anil Gupta covered project progress, mainstreaming themes (gender and youth), and climate-smart, market-led production approaches. The Mission will continue through the week with thematic deliberations on institutional frameworks and sustainable agricultural competitiveness across J&K.

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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