• High-value crops, Walnut & other fruit nurseries inspire farmers to benefit from HADP, Agriculture Schemes  

KISHTWAR: This is a success story of how progressive farmers from the Satarwajan, Dadpeth area, in collaboration with the District Administration Kishtwar, overcame the challenge of establishing a lift irrigation system that now supports their horticultural setups and hybrid walnut nurseries.

In a remarkable feat of determination and perseverance, the farmers and orchardists, led by Suneel Singh, a progressive orchardist from Gunderna, Tagood, Tehsil Mughal Maidan approached the District Administration to seek help and to achieve the breakthrough.

They sought technical and financial assistance from Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav to lift water from the Sigdi Chatroo River to irrigate their orchards and hybrid walnut nurseries and farms, which are crucial for their livelihood and income.

The journey was fraught with challenges. The nearby river is approximately 400 meters away from the agricultural lands and nurseries, and crossing this distance for water uplift was a significant obstacle. Additionally, the high-flowing Mawarsudhar River from Marwah, which flows in between, posed another challenge. The Mawarsudhar River is 500 feet deep, flows rapidly, and carries a high silt load, which could damage the motors required for the lift system.

The solution was in the Sigdi Chatroo River, which is clean and flows slowly, making it suitable for water lifting. Despite the challenges, the farmers and progressive orchardists employed innovative solutions to overcome these hurdles.

The farmers approached Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav, who provided financial and technical support. The technical resolution involved using 18mm steel wire and 50mm HDPE pipes to cross the rivers, drilling holes, and erecting pillars on both sides.

Despite the odds, the persistent efforts paid off and the set up successfully lifted water from the Sigdi Chatroo River. The total project cost was substantial, with a major portion funded by the District Administration Kishtwar under the convergence of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other agriculture schemes, while the remaining contribution was made by the progressive farmers themselves.

The successful endeavor exemplifies the achievements possible through the convergence of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other agricultural schemes. By proactively engaging with these government initiatives, farmers can significantly benefit.

The results of this achievement are manifold, boasting high-value crops in the area. For example, one of the farmer's nurseries bear 20 varieties of walnut plants, totaling 40,000 plants, along with other fruit nurseries, including pecan nuts, kiwi, and apricot.

The high-value crops now grown in the area have not only boosted yields but also enhanced the farmers' income, improved food security, and stimulated local economy. Additionally, this success has inspired other farmers to adopt similar practices, leading to overall agricultural development and sustainability in the region.

This success story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the collaborative efforts of the administration and farmers in tapping the horticultural potential of the area by utilizing the ongoing HADP and agriculture schemes.

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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