Sericulture Deptt gears up for silkworm season, pledges revival of sector

Srinagar, Apr 24: Director of Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat conducted a comprehensive tour of District Budgam to assess preparations for the upcoming Spring Silkworm Rearing season in the Kashmir Division.

The Director inspected various Mulberry Nurseries and Farms at Haran, Churmujru, Sangrampora, and Beerwah to evaluate mulberry foliage availability for silkworm rearing in the district. He interacted with officers, field staff, and silkworm rearers/farmers, reminding them of the sericulture industry's glorious past when it was the backbone of J&K's economy.

Bhat called for concerted efforts to restore the sericulture sector's past glory and take it to new heights.

He urged a door-to-door campaign to promote silkworm rearing, highlight farmer-friendly schemes, and disseminate technical know-how to empower old and new silkworm rearers, enabling them to derive better returns.

The Director made rearers/farmers aware of the department's facilities and unwavering support, including technical guidance, free rearing kits, disinfectants, and financial assistance for constructing rearing sheds. He also informed them about free mulberry plants and incentives provided by the department.

Landless farmers can acquire mulberry plants from nearby Sericulture Development Department nurseries for plantation on government vacant land, embankments, and outer peripheries of vacant government buildings and schools near them, ensuring access to foliage at their doorsteps.

The Sericulture Department maintains four Mulberry Nurseries in District Budgam, spanning 120 Kanals, producing quality mulberry plants annually for distribution among farmers and plantations on state/community land. Bhat inspected a newly constructed rearing house in Haran Budgam and exhorted officers and field staff to maintain nurseries on modern lines and dedicate themselves to assisting silkworm rearers/farmers during the ensuing rearing season.

The Director also interacted with youth interested in establishing Silk Reeling Units in collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department. He assured them of special training to familiarize them with technical operations and unit functioning. Bhat discussed the matter with N.S. Gahlot, Scientist-D (R&S) & Zonal Officer for Post Cocoon Sector, Silk Technical Service Centre, CSTRI, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, Miran Sahib, Jammu.

Gahlot assured the Director of CSB's commitment to providing technical guidance and expertise to interested youth for establishing and operating Silk Reeling Units. He further assured the Director of CSB's continued free cocoon testing services and a special session for the Sericulture Department's Seed Staff on effective cocoon sorting and grading.