Shopian, May 16 (KNS): Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture J&K, today embarked on a comprehensive tour of DistrictShopian in his endeavour to boost silk Cocoon Production and empowering sericulture communities across all strata of society.
During the tour, the Director, Sericulture J&K visited key sericulture sites including the Wathoo and Nussipora Mulberry Farms/Nurseries alongside conducting a thorough inspection of the Silkworm Seed Incubation Centre. His visit was aimed to bolstering the sericulture sector by ensuring the optimal functioning of essential facilities.
The Director further examined Mulberry Farms and F1 Silkworm Chawki Rearing Centres at Chanchward, emphasizing the pivotal role of the facilities in sustaining the region's silk industry. Notably, the chawkirearered silkworms from these centers are slated to be distributed among silkworm rearers and farmers in the adjoining areas of Chanchward, District Shopian.
In addition, Ajaz AhmadBhat (IAS) surveyed various Mulberry Nurseries/Farms across Lasdanove, Shalimar, Poshnar,Kutpora,PanchanZainpora, and Babapora in order to assess the availability of mulberry foliage crucial for silkworm rearing activities. During his inspection of the District he emphasized that in order to reachout to marginal, landless, tribal and disadvantaged farmers in the region and to percolate all the benefits to these sections and communities a sustainable and viable environment hasto be created for supporting sericulture endeavors in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Director underscored the paramount importance of augmenting silk cocoon production and expanding the network of reeling and weaving units to facilitate indigenous consumption of silk cocoons.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe urged the youth of J&K to seize the opportunities offered by the sericulture department, particularly in establishing reeling and weaving units, thus fostering entrepreneurship and economic resilience. He further informed that the department shall also facilitate marginal and landless silkworm rearers and farmers with Sericulture Community Centers/Halls to undertake silkworm rearing without any inconvenience and hassle in a due course of time. He further reiterated that he is relentlessly pursing a mission to elevate the economic and social status of underprivilegedsections/ communities and focus on their up-liftment and support across J&K.
Moreover, the Director shed light on the array of schemes which the department extends to silkworm rearers and farmers, including financial assistance amounting to Rs. 1.75 lakhs for the construction of rearing sheds, rearing kits worth 40,000/=, silkworm seed, disinfectants, expert guidanceand other incentives. These initiatives aim to alleviate barriers to entry and promote widespread participation in sericulture activities.
The Director reiterated that Cocoon Auction Markets will be organized on time, and the department will make the necessary preparations in due course.
Bhat's visit exemplifies the proactive approach of the J&K Sericulture Department in fostering sustainable sericulture practices and fostering socio-economic development across the region.
Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture J&K was accompanied by the Additional Director, Sericulture Dev. Department, Kashmir, Project Executive Officer, Srinagar, District Sericulture Officer Shopian and other officers of the Department.(KNS)