SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated Autumn Flower Festival (Chrysanthemum Show) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) here.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Dar congratulated the university authorities, particularly the Faculty of Floriculture, for organizing the colourful event that celebrates Kashmir’s floral diversity and artistic traditions. He said that the festival aims to showcase the natural beauty of Kashmir’s flora while attracting tourists, students, and entrepreneurs to explore the vast potential of floriculture in the region.

Highlighting the significance of the event, Javid Dar said that the Autumn Flower Festival, featuring 15 indigenous varieties and over 80 colours of chrysanthemums, marks the first major attempt to promote autumn tourism in the Valley, complementing the region’s traditional spring, summer and winter attractions.

Minister Dar emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of diversifying tourism and creating livelihood opportunities through agriculture and allied sectors. He said that the Agriculture Production Department is encouraging farmers to adopt floriculture as a viable business venture alongside their routine farming, given its growing market demand and export potential.

MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone; Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie; Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, and other senior officers and scientists were present on the occasion.

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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