Dir Sericulture pushes for rapid development of silk sector

Srinagar, Dec 12: Director of Sericulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat conducted an extensive tour of Baramulla District today to inspect various developmental projects of the Sericulture Department. The visit was part of the department's ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve services under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other initiatives.

During his visit, Bhat inspected the ongoing construction of the Chawki Rearing Centre at Bulgam, Baramulla. This key infrastructure project aims to boost silkworm-rearing capacity in the region. He emphasized the importance of expediting construction work and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

While interacting with department employees on-site, Bhat issued immediate directives to pursue the projects with a mission-oriented approach to achieve the targets outlined in HADP and other operational schemes.

He stressed the need for collective efforts and timely implementation to meet the department's goals.

Subsequently, Bhat visited the Main Grainage in Srinagar to inspect silkworm seeds in cold storage. These seeds are crucial for the upcoming silkworm rearers' season and will significantly support sericulture farmers across the region.

Later, the Director chaired a high-level meeting to review the physical and financial status of ongoing and new projects under HADP, NABARD, and CAPEX in various Kashmir division districts for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The meeting was attended by the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) from Sumbal, Rajbagh, Dalgate, and Pattan, along with senior department officers.

During the meeting, participants engaged in detailed discussions about project progress, budget utilization, and completion timelines. Bhat urged all stakeholders to ensure project execution remains timely while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. He reiterated the department's commitment to strengthening the sericulture sector as a means of providing sustainable livelihoods to rural communities.

The Director's visit underscores the department's dedication to fostering development, empowering farmers, and promoting sericulture as a viable economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhat was accompanied by the Development Officer E&T, J&K, District Sericulture Officers from Baramulla and Kupwara, and other department field functionaries.