Dir sericulture visits cocoon auction market at Udhampur

Udhampur, July 11:  Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture Jammu and Kashmir, today visited Cocoon Auction Market at Udhampur where hundreds of silkworm rearers and buyers of Silk Cocoons participated with great enthusiasm and fervour.According to a statement issued here, Bhat conducted a detailed inspection of the auction market and took stock of the on-ground arrangements and facilities being provided to silkworm rearers and buyers. The aim, he reiterated, is to ensure a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free auctioning process, enhancing the experience for both sellers and buyers.He emphasised that both Silkworm Rearers and Buyers must be facilitated with all the basic amenities and to ensure hygiene for creating a vibrant and blissful environment in and around the Cocoon Auction Market.While interacting with stakeholders, Bhat informed that over 60,000 kilograms of green cocoons have already been procured by buyers—mostly from outside the Union Territory till yesterday and so far more than Rs 2.50 Crore worth of transactions have been taking place in the Cocoon Auction Market, with the highest price recorded at Rs 1600/= per kilogram today.As many as 1600 silkworm rearers have sold their produce in the Cocoon Auction Market at Udhampur from July 1, 2025, to date, reflecting growing confidence and participation among cocoon growers. Keeping into account the huge rush of Silkworm Rearers it has been decided that the cocoon auction market shall continue to function for one more week.Addressing the gathering, the Director emphasised the Department’s commitment to bolstering marketing avenues for silkworm rearers across the Union Territory.“A proactive approach is essential for inclusive development of the rural population, particularly the weaker sections. We are focused on providing doorstep marketing support and developing forward linkages within the UT, considering that currently over 70% of cocoon produce is sold outside J&K,” Bhat said.He further stated that cocoon auction markets across Jammu province are being conducted in a manner to bring buyers—both from within and outside J& K in order to provide competitive and transparent platform enabling silkworm rearers to earn better returns without having to travel far.