SRINAGAR: Amid forecast for mainly dry weather in next 24 hours, the minimum temperature recorded a drop in some places in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday with Pahalgam recording a low of minus 8.9°C.
Quoting a meteorological department official news agency GNS reported that Srinagar recorded a low of 0.4°C against 0.0°C on the previous night. Today’s minimum temperature, he said, was above normal by 1.1°C for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 0.2°C against minus 0.4°C on the previous night and it was 2.3°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 8.9°C against minus 4.7°C on the previous night and it was 2.8°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 0.5°C against minus 0.8°C on the previous night and it was 1.9°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 8.2°C against minus 8.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.6°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at minus 1.4°C against minus 0.8°C on the previous night and it was above 0.9°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 6.7°C against 7.1°C on the previous night. It was 1.7°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 2.2°C (above normal by 1.4°C), Batote 2.5°C (above normal by 0.4°C), Katra 6.8°C (0.2°C below normal) and Bhadarwah minus 0.4°C (0.2°C above normal).
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 12.0°C and minus 17.6°C respectively, the official said. Drass, the second coldest place after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 24.9°C.
While Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21 has ended, Kashmir is under the grip of a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’. It will be followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1.
The MeT department has forecast it will be mainly dry in the next 24 hours and isolated very light rain and snow for subsequent two days. The weather department has already ruled out the possibility of any major snowfall in the next nine days.
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SRINAGAR: Nearly 6,56,309 hectares of state and ‘kahcharai’ land were retrieved during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in eight districts of the Jammu and Kashmir.
On January 9, the administration had asked the DCs to ensure that all encroachments on state land, including grazing land and that granted under the Roshni Act, are removed by January 31.
The major chunk of 2,75,867 hectares of land was retrieved from encroachers in Rajouri, followed by 1,44,613 hectares in Reasi, 1,22,277 in Poonch, 47,552 hectares in Kishtwar, 33,000 Kanals in Bandipora, 15,000 in Kathua, 14,000 in Ganderbal and 4,000 in Kupwara districts so far.
Quoting official sources newspaper The Tribune reported that the anti-encroachment drive to retrieve the remaining land would continue even as the deadline ended.
Meanwhile, 40 kanals of land were retrieved on Tuesday from a hotel in Srinagar that belongs to close relatives of former CM Farooq Abdullah. In Anantnag, the boundary wall of the residence of former minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayyed (Congress) at Dahmal Khoshipora was demolished.
On Monday, the Jammu administration had retrieved over 23 kanals of land encroached allegedly by former Deputy CM and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta.
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Hinging hopes and envisioning, New Agricultural and Educational Policy to revolutionize the agricultural output and agro-education in Jammu and Kashmir, Prof Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, tells Khalid Bashir Guraabout how technologically driven agriculture can help improve the output and how the varsity is upgrading itself. The 40-year-old is the sixth-best university in India with a better ATAL ranking
KASHMIR LIFE (KL): With the population increase, food demand goes up. How is SKUAST-K contributing to tackling the demand surge?
PROF NAZIR A GANAI (NAG): Our agricultural land is shrinking and getting fragmented. In Jammu and Kashmir, the land availability is less than half a hectare (0.5) and in Kashmir, it is 0.4 hectare. Marginal land holding limits the capacity to grow. That’s why we need a change in policies. We have to turn towards cultivating cash crops if we want to increase farm income and sustain farmer livelihood. We have to also introduce technology in our farming. Floriculture will be an important sector in future. Our traditional horticulture orchard system had low productivity with ten tons per hectare. The government and our university collaborated to introduce high-density plantations, which resulted in six times more productivity on one hectare. Similar initiatives were taken in livestock to boost productivity and bring them to a commercial scale with the help of technological intervention. To market produce from small land holdings, aggregation forms an important part. In collaboration with the government, we are aiming at creating 300 Farmer Produce Organizations (FPO’s) which will be helped in different phases of pre- and post-harvest to boost the economy.
KL: Will the newly introduced Agriculture Policy help with it?
NAG: To address the different challenges in agriculture, the administration worked for one year and came up with a holistic agriculture policy. The policy has been drafted keeping the environment in consideration as during the past, especially in India, the green revolution helped tackle food deficiency but adversely impacted air, water and soil quality. We are ensuring that along with food security, nutritional and economic security is ensured. We also want to reach marginalized communities. Recently, the Lieutenant Governor rolled out a Rs 5013 crores policy, which aims at secondary agriculture, processing, aggregation, marketing, tackling seed chain challenges and bringing diversification. 50 per cent of land in Jammu and Kashmir is rain-fed where irrigation is not possible. We are mulling bringing this rain-fed land into diversified crop cultivation. Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is Rs 37000 crore and in the next five years, we want to take it to Rs 80000 crore. We aim at upgrading agriculture from subsistence to commercial level, which will create jobs for our youth and make them self-reliant.
KL: How will climate change impact agriculture?
NAG: Our glaciers which have been a source of perennial fresh water are receding at an alarming rate because of global warming. In future, we have to be ready for the water crisis as it is going to be scarce. To tackle the crises in future, we need to introduce technologies like micro-irrigation to save water. Climate change and resultant weather vagaries impact crop production adversely. Our new agriculture should be climate-smart and resilient agriculture. We have to introduce and grow crops which will be able to sustain weather vagaries and be tolerant to both biotic and abiotic stressors. We have developed a variety of maize Kishan Ganga (KG 2), which can be cultivated in high-altitude areas and it requires less water. However, its yield potential is four times more than normal maize. We have created another variety called high-quality protein maize. We have to keep introducing new varieties and also focus on reinvigorating our existing indigenous resilient crops.
KL: How is the university benefiting farmers on the ground?
NAG: Food production – rice, wheat and maize is an important concern. In the last few decades, we have developed hundreds of varieties of seeds but not all of them had the desired outcome. In the last four years, we created a rice variety Shalimar rice-4, which has a productivity level of 10 tons per hectare as it is three times more productive than any national variety. We also introduced Kashmir’s Basmati rice called Shalimar Sugand to alley perceptions that Kashmir cannot cultivate fragrant varieties. Presently we are in its seed production stage and next year we will make it available to farmers. Its national productivity also exceeds the national average with six tons per hectare and is more aromatic but is costlier than conventional rice. Similarly, our traditional indigenous Mushqbudij infused with profuse aroma was almost extinct and the university played a pivotal role in its revival. We are also working on Red rice. We have also released the first variety of saffron in the world and its production is better. Our university is also working on almost six vaccines in livestock to help stakeholders in this industry.
Prof Nazir A Ganai (SKUAST-K)
KL: What is the status quo and market conditions of Mushk Budji?
NAG: Compared to basmati the indigenous Mushk Budji has a good aroma and with Red rice, it has nutritional benefits also. However, what dissuaded farmers from growing it was that it was infected with a fungal disease called Blast, which would destroy the crop. We developed a blast-resistant variety. Locally it sells at Rs 150-200 per Kg and we are still exploring the international market and overcoming different challenges. Similarly, other niche crops like walnut, saffron, almond, black cumin and honey are also facing international market problems as there is no certifying agency. The government has introduced a GI tag system to give a unique identity to these crops and we are working to give them a competitive edge to get into the international market.
KL: Has there been any initiative towards introducing organic farming?
NAG: In order to protect our natural resources we have to promote organic farming. We have damaged the health of the soil through the intensive use of fertilizers and we need to reverse the trend with the help of science and technology. The new agriculture policy envisions holistic development of agriculture and it will lead towards an inclusive and sustainable agricultural revolution and organic farms. To reverse the damage, we have to use biocontrol agents, and biopesticides which are organically derived and promote agri activities, which can enhance soil health. At the Wadura campus of our university, we have developed more than twelve organic products. We are also educating and promoting the use of vermicomposting. We want to practice and promote zero-waste organic farming.
KL:Is SKUAST conducting any research in medicinal and herbal plants? Has there been any research on anti-cancer drugs?
NAG: Pesticides and fungicides are a major challenge. With the help of technology, we are aiming to reduce these carcinogenic elements. With technological intervention, like spraying pesticides on crops by drones, the exposure can be reduced by 80 per cent. This inevitably will also reduce human and environmental exposure to harmful chemicals.
Nature has bestowed us with a tremendous diversity of medicinal plants in our forests; however, unfortunately, we have not been able to explore and sustainably exploit them. The holistic project will promote medicinal and aromatic plants. Our division of plant biotechnology is researching anti-cancer properties of herbs. Off late, one of the faculty members has explored a herb’s anti-prostate cancer properties. After his paper was acknowledged globally, we made a food product. We are in collaboration with a start-up company and soon its products will be in the market. The northwestern Himalayan region has 50 per cent of the global diversity of medicinal plants. As we randomly extract these resources from forests, under the new project, we aim at educating our farmers and teaching them how to extract, cultivate and reap the health and economic benefits.
KL: Which institution and countries have collaborated with SKUAST on the technology front?
NAG: Our university cannot find solutions to diverse challenges in isolation so we have to collaborate with institutions within Jammu and Kashmir and outside. We have tie-ups with 10 international universities. This year our 12 students from SKUAST-K and foreign universities are in joint research. For this, our students get biannual scholarships. We are also starting a joint master’s programme with a university in Australia wherein the student will spend each year in their respective universities. It will be a dual degree.
KL: Has SKUAST planned any joint collaboration with technologically advanced Israel as well?
NAG: As of date we don’t have any formal collaboration with Israel. But Israeli technologies are now available in the country like micro irrigation and drip irrigation. In future, drip irrigation in our orchards will be based on smart and sensor-based systems.
KL: How is the University planning to implement National Education Policy?
NAG: We first have to align our education system with NEP and then come up with the model of agro-education. We held a 21-day Foundation Programme suggesting students, who are entering any university, that need life and social skills. Our undergraduate degrees will be by design, and education should be choice based and flexible. The student should be able to design his own curriculum. During his degree, the student will be trained in core subjects and also in choice-based skills. Similarly, our master’s and PhD programmes will be pursued in collaboration with other universities. We are also stressing the role of innovations and start-ups.
KL: How many start-ups and patents does the university have?
NAG: We have 10 student start-ups and three faculty start-ups. We have seven patents and have applied for 40 more. Student start-ups need seed money, which we are not providing. They compete at different levels with different agencies to procure the funds. Similarly, our faculty is shunning norms and mandates of teaching and research. We have directed them to convert research ideas into innovations and those innovations into start-ups which eventually should help society.
KL: What is the future of AI and ICT in agriculture and where does SKUAST stand?
NAG: We are aligning our education with the requirements of the twenty-first century and integrating it with the latest technologies. We are establishing one centre for artificial intelligence and machine learning. We have to teach our students the essence of these skills as people lagging will be rendered obsolete. KL: Off late SKUAST has started offering admissions to foreign students also.
NAG: Until now foreign students used to come through the Indian International Cultural Centre. There are around 12 students pursuing degrees. From 2023, we have formally opened our university to students and reached out to them through embassies. We want to open a new chapter of educational tourism in Kashmir. We believe that education should have been the best destination for education in India but unfortunately, we have missed the bus. But now we are taking the first leap and expecting sister universities to collaborate.
KL: What is the role and scope of agro-biotechnology?
NAG: Some of these sciences like Information Communication Technology (ICT) have revolutionized the age. Lately, the government of India approved a big project, which will help in phenomics, genomics and advanced agro-biotechnology in developing the latest varieties and seeds and vaccines. Similarly, new technology; CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology has been introduced and we are working on it.
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SRINAGAR: The traffic movement on Srinagar-Jammu national highway resumed partially, which was suspended on Monday due to landslides, shooting stones and snowfall, officials said here on Tuesday.
Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that however, no new traffic was allowed on the highway.
He said stranded vehicles were being allowed to move after road was cleared. “Our men and machinery were on the job day and night to restore the traffic,” e said.
“NH through for traffic. Intermittent shooting stones and slides still coming at some places. Travel very cautiously. Road slippery”, SSP Ramban, Mohita Sharma tweeted.
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a great stage for the best of Indian cricketers and also the cream of international cricket. The League has been a stage where talent has met opportunity and also a place where people get opportunities like no other place and the stars of the world along with the young Indian uncapped players are part of the IPL.
In the IPL, there have been many encounters that have been decided through the medium of super overs. A Super over is one where both the sides play an over to decide the winner in case scores are tied. Each team gets two wickets in the Super Over and in case all the three have fallen the other team wins the match. Here are the highest scores in three matches made in super-overs in IPL history. The IPL has kept media and cricket news sites engaged.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 2013
This Super Over took place on April 7 2013 in Hyderabad. Vinay Kumar gave just 6 runs in the 20th over to tie the game for RCB. In the Super over, Cameron White smashed Vinay Kumar for 20 runs, RCB lost the game by six runs.
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders 2009
Rajasthan Royals got to a score of 150 in their 20 overs on the back of Yusuf Pathan’s explosive innings of 42 off 21 balls. In the chase the Knight Riders made their way to 150. Then in the super over they scored 15. In reply, Yusuf Pathan smashed 18 runs off the first four balls to give Rajasthan the win.
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings 2015
Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings played out a thrilling Super over encounter in 2015 where Rajsthan made 192 on the back off Ajinkya Rahane’s 74. Punjab got to the same score with David Miller’s 54 and Shaun Marsh’s 65. In the Super over, Punjab posted 15 runs. The Royals failed to defend the score as they lost both their wickets in just six runs off three balls.
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SRINAGAR: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi, his sister and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar and Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal on Tuesday morning.
According to news agency KDC Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra accompanied by senior congress leaders visited Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal and Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
Rahul Gandhi on late Monday evening along with others pushed a private car that was stuck in snow on the Boulevard road in Srinagar.
Sharing a video on his official YouTube channel, Rahul Gandhi was seen pushing a car, which was stuck as the city received snowfall on Monday.
In the video Rahul Gandhi was also seen walking on the Boulevard road along the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar and also interacted with locals including boatmen and vendors.
An official said that Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka along with other Congress leaders have left for Delhi.
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SRINAGAR: Mainly dry and foggy weather was expected till February 4 and light rain and snowfall thereafter for one week in Jammu and Kashmir, meteorological department (MeT) said on Tuesday.
However, the weather department has ruled out the possibility of any major snowfall in the next ten days.
“From February 1 to 4, mainly dry weather is expected but fog is likely to develop in Jammu & Kashmir (60% chance),” said a MeT official, as reported by GNS.
For the subsequent one week, he said, light rain and snowfall is expected at isolated places.
“There is no major snowfall for the next 10 days,” he said.
In last 24 till 0830 hours today, the MeT department official said that Srinagar received 6.29 inches of snow, Qazigund 9.8 inches, Pahalgam 10.56 inches, Kupwara 7.87 inches, Kokernag 7.1 inches and Gulmarg 19.7 inches, Banihal 1.37 inches, Batote 0.4 inches and Bhaderwah 0.8 inches.
Regarding minimum temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 0.0°C against minus 0.2°C on the previous night. Today’s minimum temperature, he said, was above normal by 0.7°C for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 0.4°C against minus 0.1°C on the previous night and it was 1.7°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 4.7°C against minus 1.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.4°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 0.8°C, the same as on the previous night and it was 1.6°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 8.4°C against minus 4.6°C on the previous night and it was 0.8°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at minus 0.8°C against minus 0.4°C on the previous night and it was above 1.5°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu received 26.6mm of rain during the 24 hours and recorded a low of 7.1°C against 10.4°C on the previous night. It was 1.3°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, had 39.8mm of rain during the time and recorded a low of minus 0.4°C (below normal by 1.2°C); Batote 52.1mm of rain and recorded a low of minus 0.5°C (below normal by 2.6°C); Katra received 49.4mm of rain and recorded a low of 6.1°C (0.9°C below normal) while Bhadarwah received 27.8mm of rain during the time and recorded minimum temperature of 0.2°C (0.8°C above normal).
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 8.0°C and minus 10.2°C respectively, the official said.
With the end of harshest Chillai-Kalan on Monday, Kashmir is under the grip of 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’.
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JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday ordered premature retirement of 03 officials of Prison Department for their involvement in corruption, underperformance and anti-social activities.
In its endeavor to make the Administration more efficient and transparent, the government prematurely retired 03 personnel of Prison Department on charges of their involvement in corruption and criminal activities.
These personnel conducted their duties in ways which were unbecoming of public servants and in violation of the established code of conduct.
The exercise was conducted as part of regular process of scrutiny of records of officials, who cross benchmarks of age/service period in terms of Article 226(2) of J&K CSRs.
Out of these retirees, one was found involved in a serious criminal case and remained under custody for three years, besides, the official had gained a bad public reputation. Another official was found habitual of violating official channels of communication and has been found guilty of sending fake and frivolous complaints, misusing RTI Act and wasting time of High Court for which he was also fined with Rs.10,000/-by the Court. The official was imposed Major punishment in shape of withholding of three annual increments. Further, one official was found involved in smuggling of contraband substances inside Sub-Jail Reasi.
According to the recommendations of the Review Committee, the performance of these employees was found unsatisfactory and their continuation in the government service was found against the public interest.
During the recent past, as part of its zero tolerance policy towards corruption, various employees have been dismissed from service on account of official misconduct, after rigorously following departmental proceedings against them. Many cases are under scrutiny with the Empowered Committees constituted for consideration of cases under Article 226(2) of J&K CSRs. Further, many employees have also been terminated from service on account of anti-national activities.
Meanwhile, the government has also initiated several measures for human resource development of its employees in Jammu and Kashmir which includes online Human Resource Management System (eHRMS), induction of officers into the prestigious Indian Administrative/ Police Service, timely DPCs for smooth career progression, updating recruitment rules, fast tracking the recruitment process through recruiting agencies and abolishing of interviews for most of the non-gazetted vacancies referred to the Services Selection Board.
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Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha addressed the Republic Day gathering in Jammu in 2023.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that every drop of blood and tears that were shed in Jammu and Kashmir due to the killings of innocents at the behest of the “neighbouring” country will be avenged. Highlighting the interventions aimed at getting Jammu and Kashmir back on the rails of peace and progress, Sinha said there are sustained efforts of the security grid to eradicate militancy. “I want to tell those involved in the barbaric killings of innocents at the behest of the neighbouring country that we will avenge every drop of blood and tears”, Sinha said. “Today, I bow to the brave soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir police, army and central security forces, who displayed unmatched heroism and the spirit of sacrifice in defending the motherland.” In 2022, the security grid killed 180 militants as the year witnessed a 55 per cent fall in civilian killings and a 58 per cent reduction in the killing of security forces. He said the security grid has been strengthened.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have constituted a 20-member Terror Monitoring Group (TMG) that will be headed by an SSP rank officer and will have six DySPs, six inspectors, six head constables and a follower.
POONCH
Army imparting training to Village Defence Committee (VDC) members on weapon handling, cleaning, musketry, firing and weapon maintenance drills at Mendhar (Poonch). Pic: PRO defence Jammu
In the first post-reorganisation of VDC, a young housewife in Surankote was killed by her husband when the latter was playing with the rifle of a VDC member, a relative. Police arrested the man, seized the weapon and are investigating if it was an accident or a deliberate one. The deceased was identified as Rubina Kouser, 30. Her husband, now in detention for the killing, was identified as Nassar Ahmad son of Nazir Hussain of Upper Murrah in Surankote. The rifle belonged to a VDC member. Meanwhile, the High Court has declined to stay the government order of August 14, 2022, that accorded sanction to the creation of the Village Defence Guards Scheme (VDGS) 2022. The court of Justice Rahul Bharti was hearing a plea filed by 619 Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and Special Police Officers (SPOs) seeking direction to the Government not to change the status of VDC SPOs. The 2022 order superseded September 30, 1995, which created the extra-constitutional VDC network.
2022 witnessed 1.8 crore tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir including pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
CHENNAI
Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha attends Vitasta Festival at Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai on January 28, 2023. Image DIPR
Ministry of Culture is organising a festival Vitasta – the ever-flowing legacy of Kashmir in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir. The first edition of the festival will be held from January 27 to 30, at Kalakshetra, and on January 29, at Dakshina Chitra. It will have a choreographed dance presentation of the Kashmiri folk dance forms, a folk symphony with Kashmiri folk musical instruments, a unique presentation of two folk theatre forms – Bhand Pather of Kashmir and Therukoothu of Tamil Nadu, a recital by Santoor player music composer and conductor, Abhay Rustum Sopori, Kashmiri Sufi Band by Aabha Hanjura, Kashmiri cuisine fair, crafts fair with the handicrafts, needlework and weaves of Kashmir, workshops on pashmina wool weaving and papier mâché, seminars related to the Vitasta river and Kashmir including the impact of Buddhism and Shaivism, art camp for artists, an art competition for schoolchildren, a play, photography exhibition, Sharada Stotram by the students of Kalakshetra, a production on national integration based on a literary work by Subramania Bharathi by the students of Kalakshetra, and villu pattu on Vitasta.
32000 students from across India study in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Home Minister Amit Shah.
LADAKH
LAB, KDA hold protest in Jammu on Sunday, January 16, 2022
China is reported to have blocked access to the Indian Army at 26 patrolling points along the Line of Actual Control (LoAC) in eastern Ladakh, resulting in the denial to use huge swatches of grazing land to the local herdsmen. A Leh Police reports suggest that there are a total of 65 PPs (patrolling points) starting from Karakoram Pass to Chumur which were routinely being patrolled by the army. These points were openings towards high-altitude meadows as well. The access has been denied by the Chinese Army under the land grabbing inch by inch, which is called salami slicing, the report authored by OPS officer PD Nitya has said. The officer submitted its report to the just concluded annual conference of DGPs and IGPs held in Delhi. “Out of 65 PPs, our presence is lost in 26 PPs (i.e. PP no. 5-17, 24-32, 37), due to restrictive or no patrolling by the security forces,” the paper added. Though the government has not formally reacted to the findings, informal sources have denied the status quo. The anonymous said the herders have been restricted by the army itself.
Meanwhile, in an unlinked development, reports suggest that the MHA will resume talks with the protesting political leadership of the region seeking assurance for full statehood, and protection of the region’s identity under the Sixth Schedule and jobs. Region’s leaders have boycotted a High Power Committee that MHA constituted and protested in Ladakh and then in Jammu. Now, the regional leaders have written a joint letter to Amit Shah suggesting that to begin with, dialogue should be initiated with two representatives each of LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with the provision of wider participation as it makes headway.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank netted Rs 311.59 crore profit in Q3, ending December 2022, taking the 9-month profit to Rs 721.05 crore in fiscal 2022.
SRINAGAR
Co-founders of a logistics company, FastBeetle, Abid Rashid (L) and Sheikh Samiullah (R). They got an institutional investment of 100 thousand dollars after their less than 2-year start-up was evaluated as worth a million-dollar company.
Srinagar-based e-commerce start-up, Fast Beetle succeeded in raising Rs 90 lakh by diluting its shareholding by 7.5 per cent to two shark investors, Piyush Bhansal and Aman Gupta. The development took place at the business reality show, Shark Tank India. Investors were impressed by the story of start-up promoters Sheikh Samiullah and Abid Rashid, who in 2019 started a logistics company that delivers parcels to buyers. This is the second time that the company succeeded in raising money from the highly competitive open market. In 2021, they had raised almost one crier from a group of venture capital investors. Now the two co-founders retain 76 per cent of their company’s equity.
Jammu and Kashmir’s government has launched an Rs 879.75-crore Food Processing Programme for the Development of Clusters for Specific Products to maximise farmer income and minimise post-harvest losses.
DELHI
Kashmir’s last Santoor maker Ghulam Mohammad Zaz was among three eminent persons from erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir who were awarded Padma Shri this year. Others are litterateur Mohan Singh (Jammu) and Ladakh’s religious personality Kushok Thisksey Nawang Chamba Stanzin. Zaz is the eighth-generation Santoor maker and lives in Srinagar’s Zaina Kadal. “The legacy will end with me,” he regrets. Santoor is a trapezoid-shaped instrument with 87 strings and 28 bridges. Traditional Kashmiri Santoor, however, has 100 strings. For use in Indian Classical Music, the number of strings is reduced. Zaz is survived by his wife and three daughters. Normally the instrument made with almond wood is considered better.
URI
JK LG Manoj Sinha with the family of Mudasir A Sheikh, an SPO, who was killed in an encounter in Kreeri on May 25. Sinha visited the family in Uri on May 28, 2022.
Mudasir Ahmad, 32, a Jammu and Kashmir Policeman who was slain in a counterinsurgency operation was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously. He was killed in an encounter in Najibhat Kreeri (Baramulla) on May 25, 2022. Three foreign militants were also killed in the encounter that was mounted by police, the army and CRPF. On October 5, 2022, Home Minister Amit Shah visited Sheikh’s family and paid respects at his grave barefoot. He has worked undercover earlier, reports in the media suggest. Mudasir is survived by his father Maqsood Sheikh, a retired sub-inspector, mother Shameema Begum, two sisters, and three brothers. Sheikh was hired as SPO after his father’s retirement and on basis of his extraordinary services with SOG, he was formally adjusted into police. He was a daredevil police official.
SRINAGAR
After formally and informally identifying the encroachment on the state land basket, the authorities have started demolitions in certain cases, In a high-voltage operation, the Budgam district administration demolished the outer wall of National Conference (NC) leader Ali Muhammad Sagar’s security detail near his Humhama house. The government had raised a plank suggesting the piece of land had been encroached upon by the politician. Officials said they demolished the outer wall, the main gate and the entry of the guardroom. Official records said the Saleema, wife of Sagar is the owner of land measuring 3 kanal 18 marlas. However, the family had allegedly encroached upon 2 kanals of state land on which a building had been raised.
DODA
Mubeen Fatima was a mother when she enrolled for MSc Botany and soon she fell apart from her husband. She is now a JKAS officer.
Marriage, after all, is a social contract with a lot of emotional, moral, ethical and economic equity. Sometimes it does not succeed. Instead of staying in a bad relationship, it is better to move out formally and rediscover life. That is what Mubeen Fatima did. Daughter of Abdul Sattar of Upper Thathar, Bantalab, the mother of a young daughter, put in her efforts and made it to Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), with a rank of 154. She graduated in 2018 and was a mother in the same year. As she joined for her masters in Botanay, she was divorced by her husband – conveyed the same digitally. She was declared MSc Botany in 2020 and soon she started preparing for JKAS. On the first attempt, she made it.
ZEWAN
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha with Kashmiri Pandits after he laid foundation stone of Transit Accommodation for PM Package Employees at Zewan on Friday January 20, 2022
The Zewan locality on the borders of the Srinagar and Pulwama districts will have a series of towers that will house a Kashmiri Pandit township. LG Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone last week for 936 flats. These are for the employees who will be posted in Kashmir. In comparison, it is a better-secured locality. LG said by December 2023, 1200 flats will be ready for the Pandit employees who were appointed under a special package of the Prime Minister.
JAMMU
Kanak Mandi Jammu.
Finally, the government has decided to collect Property Tax in Jammu and Kashmir and it will start with commercial establishments. Officials said collection of this tax is linked to the devolution of various grants to Jammu and Kashmir. Slabs for the imposition of the tax are reportedly being worked out. For the time being, it will not be collected from residential establishments.
SRINAGAR
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on one of his initial visits to SKIMS after the institute started functioning. Sheikh was the Chief Minister.
A young SKIMS doctor survived an electric shock while performing on a cardiac patient in the operation theatre. Reports suggest that when he started the procedure, he got an electric shock, following which he collapsed on the ground and was admitted. He has suffered injuries on his hand and fingers. After the shocking incident, SKIMS management started an audit at key spots in the hospital.
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SRINAGAR: A fruit vendor died after a chemist allegedly gave him a high dose injection in South Kashmir’s Anantnag town.
The man has been identified as Irfan Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat of Janglat Mandi area of Anantnag.
Irfan’s brother while talking to the news agency KNO alleged that Irfan went to a medical shop in the locality with throat irritation where chemist gave him high dose injection without a test dose.
He said soon after, he fell unconscious and same chemist brought him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Irfan, who was a fruit vendor, is survived by wife, daughter and mentally unsound sister.
The family members have demanded investigation in this regard besides strict action against chemists for selling drugs without prescription.
Meanwhile, an official said that a case FIR number 44/ 2023 under section 304-A of IPC has been registered while investigation has been taken up.
He said that brother of accused has been arrested as accused is on the run.
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SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley including Srinagar has been covered in a blanket of snow on Monday and the weatherman has forecast more in the next 12 hours and a gradual decrease from tonight.
Quoting a meteorological department official news agency GNS reported that widespread moderate to heavy snowfall has been reported in Kashmir and hilly areas of Jammu. Also, moderate rain with thunderstorms were reported in most places of Jammu.
“Snowfall and rain is very likely to continue for the next 12 hours. Expect a gradual decrease in precipitation from later tonight,” he said.
On January 31, he said, cloudy weather with light snow and rain was expected in isolated to scattered places.
Meanwhile, he said, in the last 24 hours till 0830 hours, Srinagar received 12.5 cms of snow, Qazigund 13.0cm, Pahalgam 22.1cm, Kupwara 4.5cm, Kokernag 8.5cm, Gulmarg 30.5cm (above 1 foot), Banihal 0.4 and Bhaderwah 2.0cm.
Regarding temperature, he said that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.2°C against minus 2.4°C on the previous night. Today’s minimum temperature, he said, was above normal by 0.8°C for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 0.1°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night and it was 2.5°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 1.4°C against minus 5.6°C on the previous night and it was 4.7°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 0.8°C against minus 2.7°C on the previous night and it was 1.8°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 4.6°C against minus 7.2°C on the previous night and it was 2.9°C above normal for the world-famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at minus 0.4°C against minus 1.0°C on the previous night and it was above 2.1°C below normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu received 8.9mm of rain during the 24 hours and recorded a low of 10.4°C against 7.6°C on the previous night. It was 1.7°C above normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal received 25.5mm of rain and recorded a low of 0.2°C (above normal by 0.4°C), Batote received 43.6mm and recorded a low of 1.2°C (below normal by 0.5°C), Katra received 17.6mm of rain and recorded a low of 9.0°C (2.1°C above normal) while Bhadarwah received 34.8mm of rain during the time and recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.6°C (0.2°C below normal).
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 0.6°C and minus 6.8°C respectively, the official said.
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SRINAGAR: A soldier died at his camp in North Kashmir’s Kupwara after falling unconscious during his duty.
Quoting official sources news agency KNT reported that Subedar Jitendra Kumar from 17 Gharwal in Chowkibal Kupwara fell unconscious at his Unit and was taken to the military hospital Drugmulla, where doctors declared him dead.
The victim was a native of Uttarakhand. Police Post Drugmulla have started proceedings under section 174 Cr.PC in this regard.
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SRINAGAR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra enjoined snowfall at Congress headquarters here on Monday, the day marking the end of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
The siblings were seen playing with snow, throwing it on each other to express their joy, eyewitnesses told GNS.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi also unfurled the tricolor flag at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar. He ended his over 4,000 km march, covering 12 states over a span of five months.
The Congress party is set for a show of Opposition unity, having extended invitations to 21 political parties for its rally at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium here later today. The party said Congress president Mallikarjum Kharge will unveil a memorial for the BJY.
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SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall in Srinagar delayed several morning flights at the Srinagar International Airport due to low visibility.
In a tweet Director Srinagar Airport Kuldeep Singh said that since early morning all flights were delayed due to poor visibility.
Our visibility is only 200 M and there is continuous snowfall
We are simultaneously clearing the snow
All flights are delayed
To avoid inconvenience and to avoid congestion please check the status of your flight from your airlines before coming to the airport
SRINAGAR: Asking Home Minister Amit Shah to opt for a Jammu to Srinagar yatra if the security situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Chinese sitting on Indian land must be dealt with by the centre. He was speaking to the media in Srinagar after the conclusion of the 134-day-long yatra during which he addressed 15 news conferences.
Rahul said a Ladakhi delegation clearly said that 2000 square km of the Indian Territory was taken by the Chinese.
“Government is under the impression that the Chinese have not taken any land from India. I recently met some ex-army people and even a delegation from Ladakh has clearly said that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been taken over by the Chinese,” Rahul said. “They also said that many patrolling points that used to be in India are now firmly in Chinese hands.”
Terming it “extremely dangerous”, Rahul said: “The approach Government is following by completely denying that the Chinese have taken our land is dangerous and it will give them more confidence to do more aggressive things. We have to deal with the Chinese firmly and tell them they are sitting on our land, won’t be tolerated.”
Asked about the situation on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi said he met people and is extremely unhappy.
“Target killing and bomb blasts are happening in Jammu and Kashmir and if the security situation has improved then the conversation the security personnel are having with me should not have been required,” Rahul said. “If the situation is so good why don’t the BJP people walk from Jammu to Lal Chowk? Why doesn’t Amit Shah walk from Jammu to Kashmir if the situation is so secure? I don’t think that argument holds.”
Congress has alleged a security lapse during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir. Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that police arrangement “completely collapsed” during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir and he had “to cancel” his walk.
Responding to a volley of several questions about Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul said the restoration of statehood should be the first step.
“Statehood and restoration of the democratic process is a fundamental and very important first step. The other steps will come later and I do not necessarily have to comment on it here,” he said. “All states have an assembly. The democratic process is the right of the people and it should be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. A solution should be found for the people of Ladakh as well.”
In response to a question about the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress Working Committee has already made its stand clear on the issue. Notably, Article 370 granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked by the Modi government on August 5, 2019.
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SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s handicraft basket will now have a Quick Response (QR) code alongside the GI labelling. This is part of the serious effort by the Jammu and Kashmir government to improve buyer confidence and adequately promote handmade works. The initiative aimed at fair trade practice is taking place at a time when the handicraft sector is exhibiting a strong revival with exports in the last nine months crossing Rs 729 crore, for the first time after 2019.
Now, 13 Kashmir crafts including six handicrafts already having GI will have distinct QR codes. These include Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozni, Kani Shawl, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Kashmir Papier Machie and Khatamband. In the case of Kashmir Pashmina’s GI labelling has been redeveloped and has been integrated with the QR-Code certification module, Director Handicrafts and Handlooms, Mehmood Ahmad said.
Kashmir carpet already has a QR code along with the GI labelling. It was launched by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on February 10, 2022.
The GI certification ensures the buyer that the product is produced only in a particular geographical location and no manufacturer other than those recognized by the registration may claim to produce or sell the same by the name specified under the registration. The QR code gives the buyer the facility to use his cell phone and locate the craftsman or the institution that made the product for further satisfaction of its genuineness.
Jammu and Kashmir started GI coverage for its craft basket in 2007. So far, it has GI certification available for seven crafts: Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozni, Kani Shawl, Papier Machie, Khatamband, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving and Kashmir Hand-knotted Carpet.
For issuing the GI label for Kashmir Pashmina, Jammu and Kashmir government established Craft Development Institute (CDI) in 2013 where the Assistance to State for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) assisted Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) tests the products for its genuineness. “So far, it has certified and labelled more than 16,000 genuine Kashmir Pashmina products and has also conducted 1900 Non-GI tests to ascertain the genuineness of various Non-GI handicraft products,” Ahmad said. “In 2022, the demand for labelling at the centre increased by 1100 per cent.”
Ahmad said it is helping the product in competing with rivals across the world. In the case of carpets, the dual certification – the GI label and user-friendly QR code have restored consumer confidence hugely. “Till February 2022, we have certified and labelled 6000 carpets,” Ahmad said.
The data of carpet export exhibits an upward trend. In the last nine months of fiscal 2022 ending December 31, Kashmir exported carpets worth Rs 212.23 crore. This is expected to mark a return from the sluggish exports that Kashmir carpet witnessed from 2017-18 when carpets worth Rs 452.12 crore were sold. The carpet exports were of the order of Rs 353.63 crore in 2018-19; Rs 395.78 crore in 2019-20; Rs 299.56 crore in 2020-21and Rs 251.06 crore in 2021-22. With three months more to go, 2022-23 may have a better export tally in carpets. Kashmir carpets are the major part of the handicrafts sale from the valley making slightly less than half of the overall turnover.
The handicrafts and handlooms department believes that the distinct QR-coding will help address the deficit that Kashmir crafts have inherited as it avoided implementing the new fair-trade practices. Interestingly the QR-coding is available for products which do not fall in the GI-certified basket.
“For the convenience of the artisans, traders and exporters, we have heat application secured fusion labels or fabric-based non-tearable, waterproof labels which can be stitched on the product based upon the liking of the customer,” Ahmad said. “The newly introduced QR-Code-based labels are secure tampered proof labels with invisible UV and Micro-Text, heatproof (25 F to 140 F) and shall work on all smooth and rough surfaces.”
The QR codes are available for genuine handmade crafts under the non-GI category like Copperware, Willow Wicker, Silverware, Filigree and some other items.
These interventions are taking place at a time when the Kashmir handicraft sector is witnessing an improved turnover as the exports are showing an upswing. The global markets are recession hit and Covid19 has been a key role in it.
Data suggest that in the first three quarters of the current fiscal ending December 31, 2022, the overall exports of Kashmir handicrafts were at Rs 728.99 crore. This is much improved in comparison to the overall exports of Rs 563.13 in 2021-22 and Rs 635.52 crore in 2020-21. The handicraft exports were at Rs 1090.12 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 917.93 in 20180-19. Kashmir remained under lock and key since 2019 summer, a situation that was extended by the Covid19 pandemic.
Now the government is working to add ten more crafts in the GI listing. The mandatory dossiers have already been submitted to the GI registry at Chennai. These crafts are Kashmir Namda, Wagguv, Shikara, Gabba, Kashmiri Willow Bats, Crewel, Chain Stitch, Tweed, Basohli Paintings and Chikri Wood. Some of these items have already access to QR-code labelling.
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SRINAGAR: A day after warmly greeting Rahul Gandhi while joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJO) along with her daughter and mother, Mehbooba Mufti wrote a series of tweets to show the net difference between Nehru’s tricolour hoisting and Rahul’s unfurling of the national flag. At the conclusion of the BJY, Rahul led a battery of Congress leaders to unfurl the tricolour in historic Lal Chowk amid unprecedented security measures.
Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka and other Congress leaders at Lal Chowk Srinagar where they unfurled the national flag. The flag hoisting concluded the Bharat Jodo Yatra that Congress started from Kanyakumari in September 2022. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
Unlike the Nehru-presided event soon after accession, Mehbooba said Rahul’s unfurling of the national flag took place under “different circumstances” when Jammu and Kashmir has been turned into a military garrison.
“In 1948 when PM Nehru first unfurled tiranga in Kashmir amongst a sea of people, it was a momentous occasion marked by celebrations. People of J&K had successfully fought off invaders by pushing them back & thus began a new relationship with India based on mutual trust & respect,” Mehbooba wrote in a tweet.
“Nehru’s efforts ensured a Muslim majority J&K acceded to India. He assured Kashmiris & allayed concerns about preserving their identity not only in terms of religion but also culturally within India. This was achieved through constitutional safeguards guaranteed by Article 370,” she said in another tweet.
A November 1947 photograph showing Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of Indian making his first important speech in Lal Chowk. During the course of his speech he said “India will never let down Kashmir and the Indian Army will fight on till the last raider is driven out”.
With this historic background, Mehbooba commented on the unfurling of the tricolour on January 29, 2023, by Rahul, a function she and other like-minded parties n Kashmir skipped.
“Today history stands witness as RG unfurled the same flag albeit under completely different circumstances at a time when J&K has been turned into a military garrison. Assurances given by Indian constitution have been demolished by BJP & is a complete betrayal,” she wrote. “Despite these facts, BJP claims to have resolved the Kashmir issue by the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. Not only have they failed to address the issue but also gifted 2000 sq km of our territory to China.”
When Pandit Nehru flew to Srinagar on November 20, 1947, he spoke to a gathering in Lal Chowk. Later, he was taken in a procession to various parts of the Srinagar city. In comparison, Rahul’s function was brief and small and was attended by his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leaders from Jammu and Kashmir. Nehru had unfurled the flag near the Palladium Cinema, a few notches ahead of the Ghanta Ghar, where the tricolour was unruled today.
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JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched QR-Code based Labels of 13 different GI & Non-GI registered crafts of J&K, today at Raj Bhawan.
Congratulating the Artisan community, Handicraft Department and other stakeholders, the Lt Governor said the QR-Code Labels will help to authenticate the origin and quality of the crafts, improve the quality assurance in both national & international markets and benefit craftsmen, traders and exporters.
“This is an important landmark in preserving and promoting priceless artistic and cultural heritage of J&K UT. QR-Code based mechanism would help in ensuring product quality, genuineness and boost global demand for J&K handmade products”, added the Lt Governor.
Highlighting the need to make necessary interventions for brand positioning, the Lt Governor said, GI Tag, QR Code based label, packaging etc will make the Handicraft sector more productive, financially attractive and contribute to the growth of the handicraft industry and earnings of artisans.
The Lt Governor also shared the vision of the government and the ongoing endeavours to promote local products for greater economic benefits to the artisan and the weaver communities of J&K.
The administration has taken some important steps to boost Handloom & Handicraft sector in J&K UT through integrated development and export promotion. We are committed to provide all possible support for the development of this important sector, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor directed the Handicrafts department for product diversification, brand promotion and marketing strategy to connect buyers and artisans.
He also emphasized on regular consultation of stakeholders, holding regular Buyer-Seller meets and promotion of Self-Help Groups and Artisans at various platforms.
A live demonstration of QR code scanning of the products was presented on the occasion.
The souvenirs of G20 featuring local crafts were also presented to the Lt Governor.
The products for which the QR-Code based labels launched today are Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozni, Kani Shawl, Paper Machie, Khatamband, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving (GI Registered Crafts), and Namdah, Crewel, Chain-Stitch, Silverware, Filigree, Copperware and Willow Wicker (Non-GI Crafts).
It was informed by the department that with today’s launch, J&K UT has become the first region in the country to issue QR (Quick Response) based labels for all its crafts. The process of getting GI registration for 10 other crafts is under process.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; HoDs, senior officials and Artisans were present.
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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has approved a prestigious project worth Rs 146 crore to promote the niche crops as unique heritage of the UT, which will be implemented in the next five years.
“The project aims at diversifying and expanding the area of niche crops over an area of 11,100 hectare thus ensuring livelihood security for 111,000 targetted beneficiaries with a revenue realization of Rs. 2,238 Crore” , Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo said.
The initiative will focus on increasing production, improving livelihoods and enhancing market accessibility. This will be achieved through establishment of nurseries and seed villages, infrastructure development, and collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, he added.
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir is home to a diverse range of niche crops including Saffron, Kalazeera, Kashmiri Lal Mirch, Peanut, Anardhana, Bhaderwah Rajmash, hill garlic, Mushkbudhji (aromatic rice), Red Rice and Shallot (Pran). These crops are grown on an area of 32,000 hectare, with a total production of 24,000 metric tons making a substantial contribution of Rs. 945 crore to the UT GDP.
The main components of the project included establishment of 5,226 nurseries/seed villages, which will generate 7750 job opportunities for unemployed youth working in the niche sector. Additionally, the project will take up creation of one Mini Spice Park, two Modern Rice Mills and eleven grading and processing units in target clusters, which will be linked with available NABL laboratories and e-trading centers of UT. This will facilitate quality promotion and value addition, leading to profitable accessibility to the market.
To promote these niche crops at the export level, the project shall also undertake tagging of identified niche crops, for which descriptors will be developed for their uniqueness. Likewise, the project will ensure human resource development for capacity building and employment generation. The project is being jointly undertaken by SKUAST Jammu and Kashmir besides the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, Jammu and Kashmir.
Promotion of Niche Crops is one among the 29 projects, which were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of Agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of J&K. The prestigious committee is headed by Dr Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR with other luminaries in the field of Agriculture, Planning, Statistics and Administration like Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, Dr. P K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA and FW, Dr. H S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), apart from the Vice Chancellors of twin Agriculture Universities of the UT.
There is a long history of cultivating these niche crops in J&K, particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch”, Mr Dulloo said, adding that these crops, including spices, aromatic crops and underutilized horticultural crops, have a significant commercial value and potential to be awarded a GI tag, similar to the tag achieved for Kashmir Saffron.
Currently, spice niche crops are cultivated on 5525 hectare with a total production of 10163 metric tons. Similarly, aromatic crops are cultivated on 250 hectares, with a total production of 750 metric tons. However, heritage underutilized horticultural crops are scattered, with a very low area of 547 hectares, and a production of 81 metric tons. The existing production scenario suggests a great scope for enhancing production to bridge the prevailing market deficit.
Diversification of niche crops in potential areas has been proposed on 11100 hectare of land in various districts of the state. Specifically, saffron will be grown on 290 ha in Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur, Kalazeera on 300 ha in Bandipora, Kishtwar and Pulwama, Kashmiri Lal Mirch on 1000 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara, Peanut on 410 ha in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar, Bhaderwah Rajmash on 6000 ha in Kishtwar, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda, Hill Garlic on 2000 ha in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, Mushkbudji on 600 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara besides Red Rice on 500 ha in District Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and Budgam districts.
To meet the emerging market demand for niche crops as functional food, there is an immediate need to extend the area of cultivation in similar agro-ecological conditions in J&K, either as a sole crop or as an intercrop. The introduction of niche value chains in prevailing cropping systems will not only increase production but will also meet the goal of raising farmers income substantially, ensuring livelihood security and stability. The expanded area of cultivation will include Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Kishtwar.
One of the key challenges in expanding the area of cultivation is lack of availability of quality planting material. The project aims to address this challenge through establishment of 5182 registered nurseries on 408 ha and 44 seed villages over an area of 212 ha particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Baderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch. The cumulative output from the nurseries/seed villages shall include 2159 MT of quality planting material, 40000 plants and 10 crore seedlings. The outcome of the project will serve as a pilot module for area expansion for production enhancement of high value crops as a long-term strategy in UT of J&K.
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SRINAGAR: A day after Delhi Court ordered the attachment of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) office at Rajbagh, the slueths of National Investigation Agency (NIA), Sunday attached the Hurriyat office.
“The NIA team arrived at Rajbag and attached the Hurriyat office,” news agency KNO quoted officials as having said.
Earlier, on Sturday in an, order, Shaliender Malik, additional sessions judge, New Delhi district, had said the immoveable property i.e. building office of All Parties Hurriyat Conference is ordered to be attached.
The Court had said that the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act-1967 does not in any manner hinder powers of court to attach any such property of which accused is facing trial under the UAPA of which he may be partly owner.
The court, however, had added that the attachment in itself does not mean that there is any pre-trial conclusion regarding that property.
The Court further said that among the different allegations and evidence, it was also the case that office of APHC was the place where meetings held to strategize different protests, funding activities of stone pelting on security forces, recruiting of unemployed youths to carry out unlawful activities as well as terrorist activities to create an unrest in the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir to wage war against the Government of India.
“In such situation taking into consideration the serious nature of the allegations as against A-5 itself, the fact that he is part owner of the property in question, cannot be a reason for not attaching the property when it is not even made clear as to who others were co-owners of that property,” the court had said.
The NIA had moved an application seeking passing of an order for attachment of building office of All Parties Hurriyat Conference situated at Raj Bagh, Srinagar.
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SRINAGAR: Police in Baramulla have rescued a foreign tourist namely Oeyvind Aamot of Norway, who arrived in Saturday morning at Gulmarg and went for skiing, while on return he lost his track and got stuck in Khar Nallah forests of Drung.
A police spokesman in a statement said that on receipt of this information, two police rescue teams of PS Gulmarg and Tourism Department were immediately formed who followed two tracks around the forest area and finally reached at the location of the foreign skier and was rescued from the forest area of Drung and was brought back to Gulmarg safely.
Meanwhile, the foreign tourist has expressed his gratitude towards police for timely assistance, said the spokesman.
Moreover, SSP Baramulla Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure-IPS has appreciated the rescue teams of Police and Tourism Department and announced a cash reward in their favour, he said.
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JAMMU: Lashing out at the Congress for ducking response over abrogation of Article 370 as usual due to its inherent contradictions and taking escape route from the chronic political issues it created in Kashmir over the decades, Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana today said the statement of Jairam Ramesh is on expected lines keeping in view the flip-flop policies of his party on issues concerning upholding of Nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
Speaking to reporters on the side-lines of releasing of book ‘Trikaalsandhya and Vaishnav Vratodyaapan Pradeep on Karm-kand’ by Dr Varchaskam Sharma here this afternoon, Rana said the Congress is caught between the deep sea and devil over the historic repeal of Article 370 binding Jammu and Kashmir emotionally and psychologically with rest of the country besides ending the era of deprivation of women and marginalized segments like Valmikis, PoK refugees, Gorkhas, Gujjar Bakerwals west Pak refugees and the other weaker sections.
“Talking about the political issues would certainly expose the Congress, which is solely responsible for all the ills afflicting the body psyche of the nation in general and the Valley in particular because of greed, lust and lack of vision of its so-called towering leaders,” Rana said, adding that such an eventuality is bound to entail the wrath of the party’s new found allies in the communal, divisive, anti-national and pro-Pakistan PAGD who Congress is trying to please and appease.
Rana recalled his earlier statement of the Congress creating alibis to avoid hoisting of the tricolor at the historic Lal Chowk in view of the PAGD’s strong hate for the national flag.
He said Rahul Gandhi has conveniently obliged the hate mongers and anti-national political actors, who had warned of not getting flag bearers for the tricolor in the Valley if Article 370 was tinkered with. Bypassing Lal Chowk thus amounts to compromising national honour and dignity. It is different that the Tiranga is being unfurled for youth of Kashmir day in and day out with pride, he said and referred to the response they got as recently as on the Republic Day when shops in the famous market-place remained open, ending over three-decade culture of hartals and bandhs.
He said this has unnerved the Congress and its masters in the PAGD, who are in the unholy wedlock for their lust for power.
Rana reminded the Congress of its blunders in Kashmir, saying that but for the course correction being made by the BJP, the paradise on the earth was at the brink of disaster.
He said none of the dynasts ever appreciated the genuine aspirations of the Paharis, Gujjars, Refugees, Valmikis and the other categories of marginalized sections, who are witnessing their empowerment for the first time ever since independence of India.
He said the BJP has infused a sense of belonging among the people and heralded a new era of peace and stability. Even the worst adversaries are confessing privately how the malady of stone-pelting and hartal culture has ended in Kashmir with people enthusiastically participating in the odyssey of progress and development.
He added that fillip in Kashmir economy due to record influx of tourism showcases the sincere efforts of the BJP in bringing normalcy and exposes the trio pseudo secularists for their machinations of keeping the Valley in boil, he said, adding that J&K is at the threshold of progress, prosperity and above all the political empowerment in real sense of term.
The books of Dr Varchaskam Sharma, an Assistant Professor in Sanskrit in GMC, Kathua will be distributed free of cost. Dr Sharma has earlier also authored three books on Karm-kand.
Prominent among others those present on the occasion included Pt. Tilak Raj Shastri, Principal, Ranjeet Singh.
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SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Traffic police on Saturday issued traffic advisory asking people to avoid certain routes while travelling in Srinagar tomorrow in view of Rahul Gandhi led Bharat Jodo Yatra that is scheduled to enter the City.
According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency KNO no traffic will be allowed from Pantha Chowk towards Dalgate.
Motorists have been asked to use the NHW-Nowgam-Natipora-Nowgam-Sanatnagar-Hyderpora Bypass to reach their destinations.
As per the order, in addition no traffic will be allowed from Kohnkhan Dalgate towards Pantha Chowk and motorists have been asked to use the Khonakhan-SRTC Bridge-Sangermal Road instead.
“To reach their destinations, all motorists are advised to use the M.A Road/Residency Road/HSHS/Jahangir Chowk flyover-Rambagh-Natipora or Baghat-Sanatnagar route. Vehicles will not be allowed from Radio Kashmir, Konhakhan, Dalgate, Hotel Lalit, and Nishat towards Nehrupark, and from Brein Nishat towards Boulevard-Gupkar Road. Motorists will need to use the Nishat-Foreshore-Habbak route instead,” reads the order.
As per the order general public and tourists have been advised to use alternative routes to reach the Srinagar International Airport to avoid any inconvenience.
“Commuters are advised to plan their movements accordingly as the diversions will be in place on January 29. The road stretch from Pantha Chowk upto Dalgate, Dalgate upto Nishat via Nehru Park, Gupkar road have been declared as “No Parking Zones” and unattended vehicles parked on the roadside will be towed. Medical emergencies will be facilitated,” it reads.
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SRINAGAR: Three members of a family died apparently due to asphyxia in Balihote area of Ramban district.
News agency GNS reported that the family of Chain Singh, his wife and daughter besides some cattle were found dead in their kucha house. “One girl gasping for breath is being brought to District Hospital.” Her condition was also serious, they said.
“At least 3 members of a family were found dead due to asphyxiation in Balihote, Tehsil Ramban. One girl found alive has been shifted for medical treatment,” Deputy Commissioner Ramban said in a tweet.
He said financial assistance will be provided out of Red Cross.
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Dr Samina Rajaplans cities, towns, and regions to promote health and food equity. An award-winning professor and founder of a globally recognized Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities laboratory, operating from the University of Buffalo, she and her team conduct research on how to develop equitable, sustainable, and healthy cities. Her research has been used to advise local and national governments within and outside the US, and international organizations like the UN’s FAO. In a freewheeling interview withMasood Hussain, she offers her ideas about Kashmir of her imagination
KASHMIR LIFE (KL):Food security is a major concern in developing countries. What are its manifestations and current global status?
DR SAMINA RAJA (DSR): Food insecurity has varied definitions but is often defined as the chronic lack of access to food. Food insecurity is different from hunger. Hunger is a physical sensation tied to undernourishment while food insecurity is about chronic deprivation of food over time. In 2021, more than 800 million people were affected by hunger, and around 2.3 billion people globally were food insecure. Though food insecurity is a problem globally, it is more prevalent in the developing world. For example, the prevalence of undernourishment is 9.8 per cent globally, while in South Asia it is nearly 16.9 per cent. It is ironic that farmers from developing countries who grow vegetables and fruits for the world often face food deprivation. The persistence of food insecurity across the globe is tied to the lack of food sovereignty or the lack of farmers’ control over the means of food production.
KL:Guide us through your journey from Srinagar to the State University of New York, University at Buffalo.
DSR: I am a trans-disciplinary scholar and a professor at the State University of New York, University at Buffalo. I was trained as a civil engineer as well as an urban planner. I completed an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, a Master’s (in Housing) from the School of Architecture and Planning (New Delhi), and a PhD in urban planning (with a focus on fiscal impacts of land development). My career trajectory blended science, technology, engineering and urban planning. As a civil engineer, I was trained to build but not necessarily trained to think about why we build. Motivated by concerns about the impact of building on human health and health equity, I decided to pursue advanced training so I could use my engineering and urban planning skills in the service of health equity. Health equity is a condition in which all people in a society can lead healthy and full lives, including those with the fewest resources. This interest in equity led me to pursue a PhD in urban planning at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US.
I recall the first class I completed during my PhD programme was about ethics, which, despite being an important aspect for all disciplines, is not widely discussed. The course focused on fundamental questions tied to equity, especially about why, and for whom, one should plan or build. The goals of the course were aligned with my values and satisfied my curiosity. As a PhD student, I was able to connect a values-based education to technical questions. Ultimately, my PhD focused on how urban planners measure the fiscal impacts of land development and the implications of such measurements for the well-being of present and future generations.
Prof Samina Raja heads the Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities laboratory in the University of Buffalo, New York. Photograph by Alexender J Becker
In western urban planning, there is a concept called the ‘highest and best use of land’. Unfortunately, this concept has also been exported to Kashmir and South Asia. There is a heuristic notion that if, for example, farmland is converted into a commercial building, some see the conversion as a measure of development. In the US, cities pursue such development because it is presumed to generate money. This presumption is based on widespread, but outdated, measurement techniques that urban planners use to judge whether land development is “good” or “bad”. In my doctoral research, I measured the accuracy of these techniques using statistical models. I found that the common techniques that planners use to measure the fiscal impacts of development are flawed. In the subsequent body of scholarship for the last 20 years, I have found that misguided land use planning and development can be harmful to public well-being. To translate this simply: if you see a patch of farmland, or say, a paddy field, converted into a mansion and you think it’s a sign of progress, it turns out that it’s not. It’s complicated.
KL: Unlike our universities, PhD in the west is a systemic and systematic investment in an individual. Did your dissertation change anything?
DSR: In the long run, yes. Not immediately though. Translating research into action takes time. My dissertation generated more questions (about existing urban planning procedures) than offered immediate solutions. This, in my judgment, was the key to my long-term research success. One of the key questions that it generated was to push me (and planners) to rethink the utility of the so-called “land use hierarchy,” and it forced me to re-imagine ‘how to plan?’ It set me on a trajectory to develop tools and resources for local governments throughout the United States through a sub-field called food systems planning. Food systems planning questions the traditional way in which urban planning has occurred for decades across the globe. My research lab is the first one in the world that used urban planning to improve food systems (there are other labs now as well). So, I was able to take my learning from my dissertation and develop new – healthier ways – of planning cities. We develop technical assistance models and training for a variety of audiences including researchers, city governments, and international organizations. I have been doing research for more than 20 years but I couldn’t tell you the immediate impact of my dissertation. Cumulatively, my research has generated tools that have helped cities, towns, and other types of communities plan in more equitable, sustainable, and healthy ways.
KL:What has been the contribution of your lab?
DSR: As I noted earlier, our research team is one of the earliest in the world to study and develop urban planning strategies for building equitable, healthy, and sustainable food systems and communities. We are an interdisciplinary team so we use quantitative methods as well as qualitative methods to understand the impact of the built environment on human health (at any given time our collaborators include geographers, physicians, public health experts, urban planners, policy scholars, and computer science experts). With Geographic Information Systems (GIS), surveying, and other technologies, we monitor the impact of urban planning on human health. We have published work that shows disparities in the built environment, as well as the impact of the design and quality of one’s neighbourhood on the incidence of chronic diseases.
Our lab is well known for translating research into policy guidance, training, and action on the ground. To give some examples, in the US, I led the writing of the Planners Guide to Community and Regional Planning for the American Planning Association, the largest professional association of urban planners in the US (2008). Because local governments in the US needed training to enact plans that promote healthy and equitable food systems (only 1 per cent of local governments in the US reported being equipped to engage in food systems planning), in 2012, my team launched the Growing Food Connections, a national initiative that provides guidance to US local governments on food systems planning. This initiative, which received US $3.96 million from the US government, is a game changer because it provides easy access to information to local governments across the United States. Planning to protect food systems and health is a new sub-field even in the US and globally. So, my lab’s contribution has been to change the field of urban planning in the United States.
Similarly, our work has also expanded globally. My team has authored guidance on local government planning for food systems for the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations. Our lab routinely aids local governments across the United States to better understand the impact of plans on food systems and human health (in Kashmir these are called Master Plans).
KL:What have been the major findings of your investigations or academic probes?
DSR: We have a lot of different studies, so it is difficult to summarize 20 years’ worth of work. That said, I will summarize the major findings by saying that urban planning without considering the health and food system is perilous to the health and well-being of current and future generations. Here are some examples: Scientific results show that urban planning patterns (USA) undermine the health and well-being of marginalized people, especially the Black, immigrant, and indigenous peoples (we have many different studies showing this). Poor urban planning has especially harmed human health by encouraging automobile-centric land use patterns (e.g., four-lane highways are privileged over farmland). On aggregate, such land use patterns discourage physical activity (walking) and limit communities’ ability to grow their own food. The US has high rates of chronic disease – much of these can be attributed to such environmental changes.
New models of planning from our studies suggest that planning for healthy, equitable, and sustainable cities will benefit from protecting the food system. We have found that science can learn from the experiences of farmers on how to plan and design communities. So, in one of the UN-supported projects we tracked farmers’ experiences in different parts of the world (Jamaica, Ghana, and India) to understand the impact of urban planning. The findings of the study are straightforward and will not surprise anybody. Today, globally, urban planning decisions are being implemented to undermine food sovereignty and food security. They are especially undermining farmland preservation and farming.
This is also true in Kashmir as land use change is harming smallholder farmers. On the flip side we have noticed that in some places, in fact also in Srinagar, even though urban planning land use decisions are negatively impacting farmers, small-scale farmers are trying to resist bad urban planning decisions. Farmers are, in many ways, at the frontline of protecting the health of their community. For example, nutrition rates and food security rates in the Srinagar district are better than in many parts of South Asia including the Indian subcontinent. One plausible reason is that historically Kashmiris have had egalitarian land ownership patterns, where people make use of their land holdings to grow vegetables for themselves and others. Protecting land and using it to grow food for oneself is a health-enabling practice. So even though negative urban planning decisions are impacting people’s health, farmers are protecting the health of people. I think Kashmiris must understand that you must protect their local food supply chain; you can eat, buy and consume Kashmiri food that is not processed. That means food on your dastarkhaan needs to come from a nearby farm or vaer. Eating haakh (Collard Greens) is better than eating any other packaged food that travels from distant places. So, if the food comes wrapped in packages cut it out of your diet, and if it comes from the soil eat it! I would say that we are learning through our studies that many traditional Kashmiri ideas were far healthier than some of the so-called modern ways.
KL:If you are told to reconstruct Srinagar tomorrow, what will you do?
DSR: My answer will likely surprise some people in Kashmir, especially given how I observe planning to unfold in Kashmir. The first thing I would do is sit down with people to understand their aspirations for Srinagar. The idea that a planner is a genius with grand ideas is bogus. I am sorry to put it just plainly. The idea of an urban planner or a government deciding what is good for a city is an exported model from the West. The best ideas come from the community. In the case of Srinagar, if I could, I would sit with farmers in Srinagar and ask them how they would protect the future of their neighbourhood, and how they would develop the area so that it is protected for them and their community. Then, this process would generate context-sensitive ideas for how to plan for healthy land use (this is a process that my team has used in other parts so the world, for example).
So, planning is not only a scientific-technical exercise. It is an exercise to understand the problem at hand and return power to the people. I can give examples of prescriptions and models that work elsewhere but the first answer is: all planning must begin with inclusive and equitable processes that privilege people with the least amount of power. In Srinagar, these people are farmers. We depend on the farmers, but we are not listening to them.
It must be said that Srinagar has quite a brilliant policy framework (in its master plan). I have reviewed it very closely and I followed the process as well. It recognizes the unique ecology of the city, and its unique heritage, and lays out a framework that is comparable to many plans globally. However, the policy framework and the implementation guidelines are inconsistent. That said, here are some practical steps to consider: protect the land from conversion and development. In Kashmir, we are blessed with fertile lands and water bodies, but we are putting driveways, roads, highways, flyovers, and malls on them (I have seen a hotel construction in a flood channel of all the places). All of this so-called development is bad for human health (and the environment). Globally cities are adding green infrastructure such as bioswales, community gardens, urban farms, edible landscapes, etc., but unfortunately, Srinagar is destroying its existing natural green infrastructure (In city of Montreal, Canada they are literally dismantling flyovers but in Srinagar, we are building them).
Some may say Srinagar needs flyovers for reduced traffic congestion and mobility. I would agree that we need reduced congestion and mobility – but evidence from around the world shows that roads and flyovers (and cars) are not the way to improve mobility (proximity to highways is linked to a higher incidence of asthma, for example). There should be investments in ecologically sensitive and healthy forms of travel, including pedestrian, bicycle, bus, and trolley-based travel infrastructure. If you visit older European cities or even Global South cities, we see the use of electric trolleys–that may be a good substitute here.
Until urban planning looks different in Kashmir, Kashmiris can also take matters into their hand: consider not building cement/concrete driveways within your homes – opt for surfaces that allow water to percolate into the ground; bicycle or walk rather than drive a car (if you can), and, grow and eat your own local food.
KL:We live in an era where we are capable of altering the genes of life forms. Genetically Modified food is one such example. Where do you place yourself on the ethical debate of using GM foods?
DSR: One of the things about scientists and researchers is that they don’t answer questions that are outside of their domain. So, I will politely say that I am not going to answer that question, but I will tell you who can. A brilliant and amazing colleague at SKUAST named Dr Khalid Masood with who I have worked can answer this question. He could probably do genetic modifications in his sleep! You should ask him. I remember when I visited his research lab, there was a poster over the door, which said, and I quote, “Yes we can clone dinosaurs but is it a good idea?” That said, I will redirect your question to ask why aren’t we using our scientific skills to protect those plants and foods that are indigenous and good for us, for example, haakh (collard greens). With a number of colleagues in Kashmir including Athar Parvaiz, Khalid Masoodi, Shakeel Romshoo, and others, we are trying to document the power of haakh for human health as well as environmental health. Briefly, haakh is from the Brassica family. It is nutritious, it is cheap, it is culturally celebrated, and it is available locally. For goodness sake, tell me why do we need genetically modified food when we have this amazing vegetable. I encourage people to follow Dr Khalid Masoodi’s work who will hopefully share his result on haakh in the near future.
(Humaira Nabiprocessed the interview)
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A police spokesman in a statement said that on receipt of this information, two police rescue teams of PS Gulmarg and Tourism Department were immediately formed who followed two tracks around the forest area and finally reached at the location of the foreign skier and was rescued from the forest area of Drung and was brought back to Gulmarg safely.