Srinagar, Nov 28: Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K, today chaired a detailed review meeting at the Directorate of Sericulture Development Department, Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar. The meeting was attended by all officers of the department which was aimed to assess the progress of ongoing projects, technical operations of the department, achievements in completing targets by adhering to fixed timelines and setting future targets in various critical areas of sericulture development across the Union Territory.
The meeting began with a discussion on the district-wise achievements in cocoon crop production for the year 2024-25, covering both the Spring and Autumn seasons. Bhat commended the efforts of the field officers and silkworm rearers/ farmers in achieving substantial production despite certain challenges. He emphasized the importance of ensuring consistent quality and quantity in cocoon production to enhance the income of sericulture farmers and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
The review also covered district-wise achievements in field plantation activities conducted under various initiatives like Silk Samagra-2 program, and other schemes for the years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The survival rates of these plantations were a significant point of discussion, with the Director stressing the need for robust monitoring mechanisms and the adoption of better maintenance practices to improve survival rates and ensure the success of plantation drives.
A detailed examination of the physical and financial status of key projects was also undertaken. The progress under Capex, HADP, NABARD, and Silk Samagra-2 schemes for the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 was also evaluated. Bhat urged the officers to expedite the execution of pending projects and ensure optimal utilization of financial resources. He reiterated the importance of adhering to timelines and achieving measurable outcomes in these flagship programmes, which are crucial for the sustainable development of the sericulture sector.
Another key area of discussion was the production of silkworm seed against the set targets for 2024-25. Bhat highlighted the vital role of silkworm seed in strengthening the sericulture industry and directed the concerned officers to ensure the availability of high-quality seed to farmers. He underscored the necessity of meeting production goals to maintain the growth trajectory of the sector.
In his concluding remarks, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far but urged the officers to redouble their efforts in overcoming challenges and achieving the department’s objectives. He emphasized the need for innovative approaches, efficient coordination between field officers and the Directorate and enhanced outreach to farmers to promote inclusive growth in the sericulture sector.
The Director issued specific instructions for the timely submission of progress reports and actionable plans to address existing gaps. He also called for regular monitoring and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the sustained success of the department’s programs.
The meeting ended on a note of commitment, with all officers resolving to work diligently towards fulfilling the department’s goals for the current and upcoming years
The meeting was attended by the Additional Director Sericulture Dev. Department Jammu/ Kashmir, Projector Executive Officer, Srinagar/ Kashmir/ Jammu all District Sericulture Officers of J&K, All Manager Seeds of J&K, field Officers along with Accounts Officer, Deputy Director (Plg) and Technical Section of the Directorate of Sericulture J&K.
