The Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat on Tuesday undertook a comprehensive field visit to Baramulla where he inspected developmental projects and inaugurated various Farmer Skill Development Programmes.
The visit aimed at evaluating the progress of the construction of Silkworm Crop Improvement Laboratory at Basic Seed Station Mirgund, monitor the progress of developmental works, preparations for ensuing silkworm rearing season and dissemination of awareness about the different schemes of the department among the silkworm rearers, farmers and youth.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director highlighted the important role of Silkworm Crop Improvement Laboratory and urged the executive agency to complete its construction within the stipulated timeline.
He also visited Mulberry Nurseries/Farms, Silkworm Seed Units, and the Office of Manager Seed, Sericulture Dev. Department, Basic Seed Station Mirgund and issued on spot instructions to the officers and other field functionaries of the department to work with dedication and ensure operational arrangements well in advance for the ensuing silkworm rearing season.
On the occasion, the Director kick-started extensive mulberry plantations drive by planting a sapling at Dak Bungalow, Baramulla. He informed that the department aims to plant 20,000 mulberry saplings in District Baramulla as part of its extensive mulberry plantation initiative to provide mulberry foliage in abundance to the silkworm rearers.
He also inaugurated a five day Skill Development Training Programme at Dak Bungalow, Baramulla, as part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) for the year 2023-24.
He informed trainees about the department’s facilities, including financial assistance for rearing shed construction in a phased manner and incentives for silkworm rearers.
The ongoing Skill Development Training programs aim to equip silkworm rearers, farmers, and youth with the latest sericulture practices to earn dignified subsistence and livelihood.
Moreover, the Director while sharing his insights said that the department has also started various programmes by virtue of which the landless farmers, tribal people and college going students are being sensitized and encouraged to take part in sericulture activities and acquaint themselves about different schemes to get all the benefits provided by the department.
On the occasion, as a token of encouragement, the Director Sericulture felicitated silkworm rearers with tool kits.
He also informed that for establishment of Silk Reeling Units in J&K the department is providing 90% subsidy as government share for automatic Silk Reeling Units.
Moreover, he emphasized that with the establishment of more reeling units the cocoons produced in J&K could be consumed locally at large scale which will not only boost the local economy but also work as a catalyst to generate employment opportunities in J&K.
He further informed that the department has put in place a helpline facility in this regard to assist the silkworm rearers, farmers and youth to address their queries on priority. However, these helpline numbers have already been shared by the department through print, electronic and social media.
The Director Sericulture J&K was accompanied by the District Sericulture Officer, Baramulla, Manager Seed, Basic Seed Station Mirgund and many other field functionaries of the department.