Srinagar, May 04: Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture J&K, during his visit to District Pulwama today oversaw various developmental projects of the department in District Pulwama.
His itinerary included inspection of Mulberry Nurseries/Farms, Incubation cum Chawki Rearing Centers of the Department and to ascertain the progress of construction works of Seed Houses/Chawki Rearing Centers and other up-gradation works of departmental assets apart from reaching out to every strata of society in order to involve them in sericulture practices which include Silkworm Rearing, reeling, etc.
Director at the outset toured Parigam of District Pulwama where he ascertained the progress of the construction work of the Chawki Rearing Centers, seed units and other upgradation works which are coming under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) and exhorted upon the officers to ensure and check quality parameters of the works promptly. Additionally, the silkworm seed which was recently distributed in various incubation centers of District Pulwama also examined by the Director, Sericulture J&K to evaluate quality standards and to ensure careful examination and necessary look-after of the seed by the field functionaries of the Department posted in respective centers.
Continuing his journey the Director Sericulture while inspecting Mulberry Farms and Nurseries at Nikas Pulwama took stock of the availability of mulberry foliage in departmental farms for silkworm rearers. This visit underscored his commitment to maintaining a sustainable and viable ecosystem for Sericulture and it’s practices.
The Director also inspected Mulberry Nurseries and Farms at Tumlahal where upgradation work of Seed Infrastructure under U.T Capex and P1 Silkworm Rearing is underway. This initiative is poised to enhance the overall sericulture infrastructure, thereby fostering economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.
Moreover, the Director toured Mulberry Farms/Nurseries in Armulla, District Pulwama, covering an expansive area of 100 Kanals. Here, he inspected Silkworm Seed Incubation cum Chawki Rearing Centers, reaffirming therein the importance of quality silkworm seed and optimizing it’s production by adopting technological pursuits in this sector. He also inspected newly constructed Rearing Houses and interacted with Silkworm Rearers of District Pulwama.
The Director Sericulture J&K further highlighted the importance of preserving and propagation of Mulberry trees all across J&K in order to keep the leaf readily available for the Silkworm Rearers and Farmers for hassle free rearing and to achieve the goals set by the department to derive double cocoon production and empower all sections of society by transforming and improving their socio-economic condition.
On the occasion the Director emphasized upon the field functionaries of the department to be vigilant and make concerted efforts to protect the Mulberry Wealth effectively in J&K. In case of any malpractice viz-a-viz cutting of mulberry trees perpetrated by offenders the report in this behalf must be filed in the concerned Police station, besides, the revenue authorities and the Directorate of Sericulture must also be informed about the incident simultaneously.
Throughout his visit, Bhat engaged with local stakeholders, including Silkworm Rearers, to gain insights and address various challenges being faced by them. His hands-on approach and dedication underscores the department’s commitment to promoting sericulture for overall socio-economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
