KUPWARA: An awareness-cum-training program on the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) was organized today at the Chief Agriculture Office, Kupwara, to educate progressive farmers of the district about the benefits and functionality of the NPSS app. The event was a collaborative effort by the Agriculture Department Kashmir and the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQ&S), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

The program was presided over by S. Yadvinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kupwara, who underlined the importance of adopting digital tools like NPSS in modern agriculture. He encouraged farmers to actively use the app for early pest detection and effective decision-making.

Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (PP), Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Srinagar, was the keynote speaker. He provided an in-depth demonstration of the NPSS app, a pioneering tool designed for real-time pest surveillance and monitoring.

Dr. Hakla elaborated on the app's ability to collect and analyze pest data, enabling farmers and agricultural officials to implement timely pest control measures. He also emphasized the app's future potential in enhancing pest management strategies and reducing crop losses, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture.

Mukhtar Ahmad, District Law Enforcement Officer, North Kashmir, highlighted the regulatory aspects of pest control and the need for compliance to ensure safe and productive farming practices. Sheikh Mansoor, Subject Matter Specialist (SDL), further guided the attendees on the scientific approaches to pest management in alignment with local agricultural conditions.

The event witnessed active participation from progressive farmers across Kupwara, who engaged in discussions and shared their experiences with pest management. The training program concluded with a practical demonstration of the NPSS app, ensuring the attendees were well-equipped to utilize the system effectively.

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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