Authorities to revive Mulberry plantation project along Sgr-Jmu highway

Pulwama, July 18: Authorities from various government departments are collaborating to revive the Mulberry Plantation Project along the National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir.
This initiative, originally launched in 2022, aims to enhance greenery and control air pollution along the vital highway.
Dr. M. Maheshwari, Director of the Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Pampore, disclosed that their scientists have been diligently working on several projects, with the mulberry tree plantation being a significant focus.
She revealed that the project initially set a target of planting 19,000 mulberry trees.
“During 2022-23, around 14,000 trees were planted, followed by an additional 5,000 trees during 2023-24,” Dr. Maheshwari said.
She, however, said that the plantation suffered considerable damage due to various factors, with grazing by cattle being the most detrimental.
Dr. Maheshwari emphasised the necessity of protecting the plantations to ensure their survival and effectiveness.
“We have had discussions with the Director of Sericulture Kashmir and the National Highway Authority of India to revive the project and implement measures to protect the trees,” she said.
The revival of the mulberry plantation project is seen as a critical step toward improving the environment along the highway. Mulberry trees are known for their ability to enhance greenery and mitigate air pollution, making them a valuable addition to the region’s landscape.
“We are committed to reviving the project in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture (DOS) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI),” Dr. Maheshwari added.
She said that the goal is to implement the project as soon as possible.
The Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Pampore, is one of the premier institutes under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles,Government of India, entrusted with the Research & Development of mulberry sericulture in North India.