Srinagar, Nov 25: In a significant step towards boosting the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K, on Monday personally supervised the demarcation of land for the construction of a state-of-the-art Modern Silkworm Seed Centre (Grainage) at Alochi Bagh, Srinagar. The proposed Seed Centre, is being constructed at an estimated project cost of ₹. 3.21 crores which shall revolutionize silkworm seed production in the region.
This upcoming facility will have the capacity to produce 10 lakh Disease-Free Layings (DFLs) annually which shall play a pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in silkworm seed production. The project aligns with the Government’s vision to strengthen the Sericulture Industry, enhance the income of Silkworm Rearers/ farmers and promote sustainable development in the Union Territory.
During his visit to the site, Bhat emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the growing demand for high-quality silkworm seeds and reducing dependency on external sources. He directed the concerned officials to ensure that the construction adheres to the highest standards and is completed within the stipulated timeline.
Additionally, Bhat inspected other ongoing works at the site and reviewed the progress of infrastructure development under the Department of Sericulture. He issued specific instructions to the Assistant Executive Engineer (A.E.E.), R&B, to expedite the ongoing projects while maintaining quality and ensuring timely completion.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhat remarked, “The establishment of the Modern Silkworm Seed Centre at Alochi Bagh will mark a new era for the sericulture industry in J&K. It will not only cater to the local demand for Disease-Free Layings but also significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the sericulture farmers.”
The initiative is part of the Government’s broader efforts to modernize the sericulture sector through infrastructure development, technological interventions, and capacity-building programs.
The demarcation of land for this pivotal project marks a major milestone in J&K’s march toward becoming a leading producer of silkworm seeds in the country.
