Focus on quality cocoon production, youth involvement: Dir Sericulture

Jammu, Dec 27: Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Directorate of Sericulture Development, Camp Office, BC Road, Jammu, emphasising the need to intensify awareness campaigns about departmental schemes and quality cocoon production.

The meeting, attended by senior officers and officials, assessed ongoing activities, outreach initiatives, and future strategies aimed at strengthening the sericulture sector in the Union Territory.

During the meeting, Bhat laid strong emphasis on intensifying awareness among silkworm rearers, sericulture farmers, and youth about various departmental schemes and benefits.

He stressed that officers must proactively engage with stakeholders at the grassroots level and ensure intended beneficiaries are fully informed about support mechanisms, incentives, and training opportunities being offered by the department.

“Awareness programmes, field demonstrations and direct interactions with farmers are crucial for building confidence and encouraging wider participation in the sector,” the Director said.

Bhat underscored the need to increase the number of silkworm rearers and farmers, particularly encouraging youth and women to take up sericulture as a viable and sustainable livelihood option.

He directed officers to focus on the dissemination of improved rearing practices, the timely supply of quality silkworm seed, the adoption of scientific methods, and effective disease management to ensure better productivity and higher returns for farmers.

The Director stressed the need to bolster both the quality and quantity of cocoon production in the UT. He instructed field functionaries to organise regular awareness camps, training sessions, and exposure visits so beneficiaries can fully utilise departmental schemes and modern technologies.

Reviewing the progress of ongoing awareness programmes, Bhat called for their further strengthening and expansion across all districts. The meeting concluded with a resolve to work in mission mode for the holistic development of the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on awareness generation, capacity building, and sustainable enhancement of quality cocoon production.

The initiative aims at improving the socio-economic condition of silkworm rearers and farming communities across the UT.