KATHUA: Director Horticulture Jammu (DHJ) Gul Sayed today conducted an extensive tour of Kathua district. During the tour, the Director launched the rainy season plantation drive in the district by planting a sapling of Citrus plant in the farmer’s field at village Pathwal of block Hira Nagar in the presence of Chief Horticulture Officer Kathua Ashwani Sharma, DL-SMS Sandeep Gupta, DHO Varinder Kumar, AD Sunil Gupta, HDO’s  Rakesh and Hemraj, I/c HDO Sumit Sharma and farmers.

The Director interacted with the farmers and encouraged them to opt for High Density Plantation. “The Government is providing all assistance to the farmers and they should take all the benefits of the centrally and UT sponsored schemes with a special focus on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) & Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)” he said. He elaborated on the benefits these schemes offer, particularly to unemployed youth.

He also stressed the importance of these initiatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the economic stability of farmers. He impressed upon farmers to procure the plants from Government Fruit Plant Nurseries for plantation in their fields. Earlier, the CHO welcomed the Director and urged the farmers to come forward and avail benefits of various government schemes to raise their socio-economic status.

The Director also planted a sapling of Litchi and Mango plants at Khnapur, Barnoti and Mankechak, Kathua respectively. Further, the Director visited Government Fruit Plant Nursery, Ludhwal, wherein he inspected mother blocks of different fruit crops particularly Avocado mother block which was planted last year. He showed keen interest in Avocado farming and said that it is a highly remunerative and futuristic crop. With rising global demand, excellent market prices and long term productivity, it offers farmers a sustainable path to higher income.

 The Director took stock of the ongoing developmental activities in the nursery and gave on spot instructions to the nursery staff regarding the production of quality grafted planting material. Later, the Director chaired a meeting of the District Officers, HDO’s, officials and field functionaries of district Kathua and reviewed the implementation of different schemes in the district.

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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