Jammu, Jan 09: Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat on Tuesday urged unemployed youth and farmers to engage with the department to avail themselves of government schemes and benefits. He highlighted the integration of the Sericulture Development Department J&K under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), which he said is expected to significantly boost the Sericulture Industry in J&K and improve the economic conditions of the people.
Bhat assured full departmental support in terms of technical guidance and various facilities for Sericulture practices, including Silkworm Rearing, Reeling, Weaving, etc. In an effort to commence this season’s Mulberry Plantation in Jammu Division, Bhat visited District Kathua and ceremoniously planted a Mulberry Sapling in the Mulberry Nursery at Changram. The initiative aims to distribute around 5.50 lakh standard size Mulberry Saplings for plantation, with 1.10 lakh saplings provided free of cost to farmers in District Kathua. Additionally, the department plans to grow 36 lakh Mulberry cuttings/roots during the current season.
During the event, the Director expressed gratitude to farmers and silkworm rearers for their participation in a one-day awareness program organized by the Sericulture Development Department J&K in Kathua. He presented momentos and certificates as tokens of appreciation.
Addressing the gathering, Ajaz Bhat
Bhat expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor J&K, Chief Secretary of J&K, and Principal Secretary to the Government Agriculture Production Department for their unwavering support to the Sericulture Development Department J&K.
He encouraged the public, especially the youth, to tap into the department’s potential to accelerate their income and leverage government schemes. He provided contact information for queries and assistance, urging people to connect with the nearest Sericulture Assistant (Zone) or District Sericulture Officer.
The Director also called upon field functionaries to extend full support to silkworm rearers and others, ensuring a seamless undertaking of sericulture practices to boost cocoon production and enhance earnings.