Srinagar, Apr 24: Director Sericulture Jammu & Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat on Wednesday emphasised the need for concerted efforts to revive the past glory of the sector and elevate it to new heights.
According to a press release issued here, the Director undertook an extensive tour of district Budgam to assess the preparations for the district establishment of the department ahead of the Spring Silkworm Rearing season of 2024, set to commence soon in the Kashmir Division. During his tour, the Director inspected various Mulberry Nurseries and Farms located at Haran, Churmujru, Sangrampora, and Beerwah to evaluate the availability of mulberry foliage for silkworm-rearing activities in the district.
Interacting with officers, field functionaries, and silkworm rearers/farmers from these areas, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat reminisced about the heyday of the Sericulture Industry when the economy of Jammu & Kashmir thrived around it.
Highlighting the department’s support, Bhat underscored the provision of technical guidance, free rearing kits, disinfectants, and financial assistance for constructing rearing sheds for silkworm rearers/farmers. He informed them about the availability of free mulberry plants and incentives for farmers, including landless farmers, to conduct mulberry plantations on government vacant land and other suitable areas.
The Director inspected newly constructed rearing houses in Haran, Budgam, and urged officers and field functionaries to maintain nurseries on modern lines and provide assistance to silkworm rearers/farmers during the ensuing rearing season.
During his visit, Bhat also engaged with youth from the district interested in establishing Silk Reeling Units in collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department. He assured them of special training and technical support, discussing 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, Government of India, Miran Sahib, Jammu.
Gahlot affirmed the commitment of the Central Silk Board to provide technical guidance and expertise to interested youth for establishing and operating Silk Reeling Units. He assured continued support for free cocoon testing services and training sessions for the department’s seed staff.
This visit underscores Ajaz Ahmad Bhat’s unparalleled commitment to revitalizing the sericulture sector and leveraging its potential for socio-economic development, aligning with the objectives of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), the statement said, adding that the Director Sericulture was accompanied by the Project Executive Officer, Kashmir, District Sericulture Officers, Budgam, and other departmental officers.
