SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a meeting to review the impact of recent fruit fall incidents across horticultural zones of Shopian and Anantnag districts.

The Minister took stock of the damage reported from various orchard belts and reviewed the ongoing measures for assessment and mitigation. He directed the officials to undertake a comprehensive ground-level survey to accurately quantify losses and ensure timely submission of reports.

The Minister emphasized the need for a broader response and called for an immediate assessment of fruit drop across major apple-growing districts, with specific focus on identifying vulnerable varieties and high-risk locations.

Stressing on quality control, he instructed the Enforcement Wing to intensify field inspections and take appropriate action against the sale of substandard or unauthorized pesticides and plant protection chemicals.

The Minister also directed for constitution of a committee headed by the Director Horticulture, Kashmir, to carry out a detailed assessment of the situation. The committee has been tasked with identifying the underlying causes of the incidents and submitting its report in a time bound manner.

He further instructed the officers to ensure wide dissemination of scientific recommendations on balanced nutrient management. He asked for providing necessary handholding support to the farmers regarding scientific orchard management practices to mitigate risk of recurrence of such incidents.

Senior officers including Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Enforcement J&K, Director HPMC and Director Horticulture (P&M) J&K besides other stakeholders attended the meeting.

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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