Mulberry plants have critical role in sericulture industry: Dir SDD

Srinagar, Dec 13: Director Sericulture Development Department (SDD), Ajaz Ahmad Bhat on Wednesday emphasized the critical role of mulberry plants in the sericulture industry. He instructed the field functionaries to make necessary arrangements in advance to meet the demand for mulberry plants for the ensuing silkworm-rearing season.
The Director conducted a comprehensive field visit to various Mulberry Farms/ Blocks/ Nurseries and Offices in South Kashmir to monitor and assess the functioning of the department and to ensure the development of Mulberry Farms/Nurseries for propagation of quality mulberry foliage.
He exhorted the field functionaries to gear themselves for developing more clusters in the near future. He also stressed that the mulberry plant material should be readily available to the silkworm rearers hailing from said areas for the ensuing silkworm-rearing season.
The Director further emphasized the field functionaries of the department to bring vast swathes of land available in these areas under Mulberry plantation by way of area expansion.
During the visit, the Director held a detailed interaction with employees to have an on-spot review of the current status vis-a-vis mulberry plantation and the status of cocoon production.
During his visit, Bhat inspected many offices of the department in south Kashmir and issued on-spot directions for the renovation of all office complexes across J&K. Besides, a proposal for the construction of an office building and allotment of land for District Sericulture Office Shopian has been furnished to the District Administration Shopian.
On the occasion, the Director exhorted the engineering wings to complete the developmental projects and construction works within a scheduled timeline. He instructed the employees to work closely with local farmers, providing them with the technical support and expertise needed for successful silkworm rearing. This collaborative effort is essential for the growth and sustainability of the sericulture sector, he said. Bhat also directed them to leave no stone unturned to achieve bumper crop in the upcoming rearing season.