Director Sericulture visits mulberry nurseries, farms in Srinagar, Ganderbal

Srinagar February 05 : Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture, J&K, today undertook an extensive field visit to Seed Station, New Theed Harvan, Srinagar and various Mulberry Nurseries/Farms in Danihama, Noubough, Bakura, Dadi Noubough and Alastang of District Ganderbal to take stock of the ongoing up-gradation of the Seed Station and preparations for upcoming rearing season.

During the inspection, the Director Sericulture J&K interacted with Silkworm Rearers/ farmers and reiterated his commitment for extending his unwavering support for development of sericulture sector in the region. Besides, emphasized that relentless efforts need to be made for strengthening and augmenting the Silkworm Seed production so that the department will embark towards the journey of self sufficiency in Silkworm Seed in J&K. Addressing the Silkworm Rearers/Farmers, the Director assured them of the full support of the department vis-a-via technical guidance and providing of a whole lot of facilities which include rearing kits, disinfectants and financial support for construction of rearing sheds in a phased manner. He emphasized the significance of Silkworm Rearing in the agricultural landscape and highlighted the pivotal role played by farmers in the sericulture sector.The ongoing up-gradation work at the Seed Station was a focal point of the visit, showcasing the department’s dedication to modernizing infrastructure and providing state-of-the-art facilities for sericulture enthusiasts. The Director expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the up-gradation work and his commitment for creating an enabling environment for sericulture activities in J&K.The Director Sericulture J&K exhorted upon the officers to complete all the development projects well in time and work on mission mode to achieve all the targets envisioned in Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).The Director Sericulture J&K also issued on spot direction to the District Sericulture Officer, Srinagar for installation of proper fencing of all the Mulberry Nurseries/ Farms and other departmental assets, besides, enhance the surveillance of the boundary walls of all the Mulberry Nurseries, Farms, Units and various offices of the Seed Stations so as to prevent any trespassing or damage to the departmental assets.Moreover, directed the officers and officials that all measures must be taken to thwart any attempt of encroachment and immediately intimate the higher authorities in this regard to safeguard departmental assets effectively so that strict action shall be initiated against the encroachers. The Director Sericulture J&K emphasized upon the officers and other field functionaries of the Department to gear up men and machinery for ensuing silkworm rearing season and share their technical expertise with the silkworm rearers/ farmers for successful silkworm rearing and increased cocoon production.Moreover, he also directed them to involve more and more silkworm reares/farmers and youth with silkworm rearing and others sericulture practices by virtue of wide publicity and awareness programmes at ground level so that they may increase their earnings to a great extent.  The District Sericulture Officer, Srinagar and other officers were also present during the visit of the Director Sericulture J&K.(KNS)