Kathua, June 12: Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture J&K, today visited Cocoon Auction Market at Dangara in District Kathua where he took stock of the arrangements in the Auction Market.
He further assessed the proceedings of the auction market and shared his valuable insights on the occasion. He exhorted upon the officer and employees of the department to work with utmost dedication apart from assisting Silkworm Rearers and farmers at every stage of Sericulture practices in a cordial and friendly manner so that they can freely share their suggestions, issues, predicaments, etc. with the department for timely redressal of grievances and for augmenting their income generation capacity significantly. He further shared the phone Nos. with the participants for any query related to Sericulture.
In his address to the huge gathering of Silkworm Rearers, Farmers and youth in Dangara Kathua, he emphasized upon the officers and officials to put in place all the facilities and availability of drinking water for all the participants and people in Cocoon Auction Markets so that they may not face any inconvenience. He further instructed the concerned officers that all the essential facilities also need to be extended to Cocoon buyers for their convenience. Moreover, he issued on spot directions to the officers for arrangement of fire extinguishers in all the Cocoon Auction Markets to avert any eventuality.
The Director, Sericulture J&K interacted with the Silkworm Rearers, who expressed their satisfaction with the current market conditions. They informed him that they are receiving handsome prices for their cocoons, with average rates ranging from Rs. 1200/= to Rs 1400/= to Rs. 1600/= per kg as per grading. These rates are significantly higher compared to the previous year, bringing much delight to the farmers.
He suggested the Silkworm Rearers and Farmers that they should take all the measures to safeguard their crop and ensure sorting/grading of cocoons in order to add value to their produce and enabling them to sell Cocoons at higher rates.
Director was briefed by the officers present at the market that over 70,000 kg of cocoons have been transacted so far in the ongoing markets within the Jammu Division. He acknowledged this progress and informed that the marketing of cocoons in the Kashmir Division will commence soon after the completion of the marketing activities in the Jammu Division.
The Director also highlighted that the Department of Sericulture is arranging the marketing of more than 8 lakh kg of cocoons for the entire Jammu & Kashmir region during the current year. He expressed optimism that the prevailing favorable rates will continue throughout the rest of the year thereby benefiting all the stakeholders involved in Sericulture Sector.
The Director Sericulture J&K was accompanied by the Additional Director, Sericulture Development Department, Jammu, District Sericulture Officer, Kathua/ Jammu and other officers of the Department.
