Kashmir embraces organic farming: Director of Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal reveals Govt's initiatives and efforts in exclusive interview

JAMMU: Kashmir, nestled in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, fertile soils, and diverse agricultural practices. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the region's economy, providing employment opportunities to a significant portion of the population. With its picturesque beauty and favorable climatic conditions, Kashmir offers conducive environment for cultivating a wide range of crops.

In recent years, Kashmir has witnessed a growing interest in organic farming practices, as farmers recognize the importance of minimizing the use of chemical inputs and promoting sustainable agriculture. This shift towards organic techniques aligns with global concerns for environmental preservation and human health, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of Kashmiri farmers.

However, the agricultural landscape in Kashmir is not without its challenges. Farmers face constraints stemming from limited agricultural land, fragmented land holdings, and a growing population, which exerts pressure on land resources. The distinct seasons in Kashmir, characterized by harsh winters and short summers, introduce additional hurdles, as erratic weather patterns can adversely affect crop yields and productivity.

Frame curriculum and design courses in accordance with the template provided by UGC under NEP -2020: CUK VC to faculty

• Chairs NEP-2020 implementation committee meetings

GANDERBAL: Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, asked the faculties of teaching departments of the varsity to frame the curriculum and courses under NEP-2020 that addresses the aspirations of the students’ community.  “CUK has to offer unique and distinctive courses to the students based on their learning ability.  The university intends enable the students to design their own courses under exit options and customize their learning experience based on their aptitude, interests, and career aspirations,” Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said while chairing the marathon NEP implementation committee meetings with the faculty members of the teaching departments, conducted on three consecutive days at the varsity.

“The CUK model curriculum shall encompass 40 to 50 per cent international dimension, 40 to 50 per cent national parity and 10 to 20 per cent regional or local significance with university uniqueness which will also prepare students for the future.” He also discussed other academic issues and pedagogical strategies to be adopted for curriculum transition with all the participants.

Children are future of our nation and they need to learn skills that will prepare them for the real world: LG Sinha

• Lt Governor interacts with the Students of Delhi Public School, Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha interacted with the students of Delhi Public School, Srinagar, today. The Lt Governor encouraged and motivated the students to be creative, curious, innovative and always learn from the mistakes to transform the dreams into reality. Every student must follow the four Mantras in life. Knowing one's inner self, finding the inner voice, learning through practice and learning through collaboration, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor impressed upon the teaching community to make the learning process engaging and collaborative, and provide the children with the space to enrich their personality and individuality. “The learning environment that exists beyond syllabus sows the seeds of curiosity, creativity and individuality in the children. Education must inculcate curiosity in young minds, provide an opportunity to their inner creativity to shine and help them to achieve their individuality,” the Lt Governor said.

Progressing JK- Tourist villages in J&K receiving huge tourist influx, sees push in rural economy, employment generation

• J&K Govts' Homestay concept succeeds in alluring huge tourist influx to rural tourist villages

JAMMU: Located 100 kilometers from Srinagar in Udhampur district, 'Panchari' a snow capped mountain surrounded by dense cedar forests, is all set to receive and captivate tourists this year with its natural magnificence and grandeur. Many admirers of Panchari compare its scenic beauty and winter snowfall with glabally acclaimed as best destination 'Gulmarg'.

"Panchari, a fascinating tourist destination abundantly blessed with natural scenic splendour and grandeur, started receiving heavy tourist rush after being declared as the first Tourist Village with Homestay facilities by the J&K government under Tourist Village Development Programme (TVDP).  The construction of vintage huts and creation of other requisite utilities in this picturesque spot has further added to its infrastructural edifice to accommodate the steeply rising tourist influx'.

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Founder of Kashmir World Film Festival, shares his vision for cultural unity in Kashmir and beyond: An exclusive interview with JK Monitor

JAMMU: In an exclusive online interview with Ajmer Alam Wani, Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, the founder of the International Film Festival, Kashmir World Film Festival, shared his journey of turning a decade-long dream into reality and revealed the long-standing vision behind organizing such a grand event in the picturesque valley.

For years, the idea of organizing an international film festival in Kashmir had been brewing in Khan's mind. He had discussed this ambitious concept with his close counterparts and cultural organizations, but various obstacles prevented its execution. Khan firmly believed that a place as picturesque and culturally vibrant as Kashmir deserved to host an international film festival. As someone deeply involved in theater, radio, television, and even short films, this dream held significant importance to him.