Dir Sericulture calls for concerted efforts to boost cocoon production

Shopian, May 16: In an effort to bolster the silk cocoon production and empower sericulture communities, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director Sericulture J&K, embarked on a comprehensive tour of Shopian district today.

During the tour, the Director visited key sericulture sites, including the Wathoo and Nussipora mulberry farms and nurseries, as well as the silkworm seed incubation center. His visit aimed to strengthen the sericulture sector by ensuring the optimal functioning of these essential facilities.

At the Chanchward mulberry farms and F1 silkworm chawki rearing centers, Bhat emphasized the crucial role these facilities play in sustaining the region's silk industry. The chawki-reared silkworms from these centers will be distributed among local silkworm rearers and farmers.

Bhat also surveyed various mulberry nurseries and farms across Lasdanove, Shalimar, Poshnar, Kutpora, Panchan Zainpora, and Babapora to assess the availability of mulberry foliage, essential for silkworm rearing. He stressed the need to create a sustainable and viable environment to support sericulture endeavors, reaching out to marginal, landless, tribal, and disadvantaged farmers in the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Director underscored the importance of augmenting silk cocoon production and expanding the network of reeling and weaving units to facilitate indigenous consumption of silk cocoons. He urged the youth of J&K to seize opportunities offered by the sericulture department, particularly in establishing reeling and weaving units, fostering entrepreneurship and economic resilience.

Bhat informed that the department will facilitate marginal and landless silkworm rearers and farmers with sericulture community centers and halls to undertake silkworm rearing without inconvenience. He reiterated his mission to elevate the economic and social status of underprivileged sections and communities across J&K.

The Director shed light on the array of schemes offered by the department, including financial assistance of Rs. 1.75 lakhs for constructing rearing sheds, rearing kits worth Rs. 40,000, silkworm seed, disinfectants, expert guidance, and other incentives. These initiatives aim to alleviate barriers to entry and promote widespread participation in sericulture activities.

Bhat reiterated that cocoon auction markets will be organized on time, and the department will make the necessary preparations.

His visit exemplifies the proactive approach of the J&K Sericulture Department in fostering sustainable sericulture practices and socio-economic development across the region.

Bhat was accompanied by the Additional Director, Sericulture Dev. Department, Kashmir, Project Executive Officer, Srinagar, District Sericulture Officer Shopian, and other officers of the Department.