Srinagar April 12 (KNS) : Today marks a significant milestone in the promotion of sericulture activities in the tribal and Border areas of Gurez and Tulail, of District Bandipora, as Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture J&K, flagged off the first consignment of mulberry plants as a part of expansion programme of the department to augment Sericulture activities in far flung tribal/ border areas of J&K to empower stakeholders by engaging them in sustainable livelihood activities initiated by the department. The Sericulture Development Department further aims to reach out to all the Boarder and Tribal Areas by supplying mulberry plants and saplings to further boost the availability of mulberry foliage and leaf in far flung areas of J&K for assisting poor, landless and interested farmers and youth to take sericulture as a viable means of their livelihood.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS) emphasized the importance of involving stakeholders from far flung areas in sericulture initiatives. He urged them to avail various schemes offered by the Sericulture Development Department J&K while highlighting the potential of Sericulture Industry for economic upliftment and empowerment of all segment of people in J&K.
"The Department of Sericulture is committed to promoting sericulture in every corner of the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir," said Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS). "This initiative is not just about promoting a traditional craft but also about generating employment opportunities and enabling people to earn a dignified livelihood which is a fundamental objective of Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP)."
One of the key aspects highlighted by the Director Sericulture J&K is the inclusivity of sericulture where even landless farmers can benefit by pursuing in house Silkworm Rearing who are also being facilitated and supplied mulberry foliage and leaf for the purpose free of cost by the Sericulture Department. Besides, the Director Sericulture J&K informed that department also provides financial assistance for the construction of rearing houses, kits in a phased manner and sharing valuable technical expertise with the Silkworm Rearers/ farmers and youth. The department of Sericulture also lays utmost stress on practicing Sericulture activities keeping into account traditional methods and applying various useful techniques on modern lines to derive bumper crop in a hygienic and disease free environment.
The distribution of mulberry plants in Border areas signifies the department's commitment to equitable development and inclusive growth. The Director, Sericulture J&K informed that by engaging stakeholders and providing necessary support, the Sericulture Development Department aims to transform these regions into hubs of sericulture activity in order to serve as a means to contribute socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.
The District Sericulture Officer, Bandipora and other Officers of the department were also present on the occasion.(KNS)