Ganderbal, Feb 21: Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat Wednesday undertook a comprehensive visit to the tribal areas of Kangan in District Ganderbal under Public Outreach Initiative Programme.
The primary objective of the visit was to raise awareness about the facilities and incentives provided by the department to silkworm rearers and individuals of tribal areas interested in adopting silkworm rearing as a means of earning a dignified livelihood.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director Sericulture said that Silkworm rearing being in-house practice does not require large space, thus, making it accessible and advantageous for both general and landless farmers. He informed the public about the plethora of facilities being provided by the department which also include financial assistance for the construction of rearing sheds in a phased manner to the Silkworm rearers.
The Director visited various mulberry farms and nurseries in the district and inaugurated an extensive mulberry plantation drive by planting a mulberry plant at Degree College Campus, Kangan in presence of Sadaf Nazir, Principal Degree College, Kangan.
On the occasion the Director informed that the department has a target of planting 10,000 Mulberry saplings in Kangan, Ganderbal as part of extensive mulberry plantation drive of the department.
Emphasizing the importance of mulberry Plantation across J&K, he informed that Mulberry plants are indispensable for sustaining the growth of Sericulture Sector in J&K and keeping readily available mulberry foliage to Silkworm Rearers for hassle free silkworm rearing.
Director Sericulture also inaugurated a 5-day Skill Development Training Programme at the Degree Collage, Kangan in District Ganderbal under Capacity Building Activities for Silkworm Rearers/Farmers. These skill Development Training programmes are being organized across J&K as part of the department’s strategic plan for the year 2023-24 under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP).
Moreover, he also informed that the department is also organizing Exposure Visits of Silkworm Rearers/Farmers to Mulberry Farm Srinagar and Udhampur, besides the department facilitates such exposure visits outside U.T of J&K as well. In this backdrop, the department organizes special skill up-gradation programmes for college students in Tribal Areas for their skill up-gradation and awareness about various schemes of the Government.
On the occasion, as a token of encouragement the Director Sericulture felicitated silkworm rearers with tool kits.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Degree College, Kangan highlighted the need of imparting skill up-gradation and awareness about various schemes of the Government. Moreover, she expressed her satisfaction that such programmes will go a long way in enthusing a spirit of entrepreneurship among students so that they shall become self-sufficient and successful in their future endeavors.
Director Sericulture was accompanied by the District Sericulture Officer Ganderbal, Officers from Central Silk Board and the field functionaries of the department of District Ganderbal.
