Sericulture Dept Launches Mulberry Plantation Drive in Kupwara to Boost Cocoon Production

Jahangir Lolabi

Srinagar: The Sericulture Department in Kupwara has launched its annual mulberry plantation drive aimed at enhancing cocoon production and strengthening silk output across the district.

The drive was formally inaugurated at Kuligam in Lolab by Deputy Director Sericulture Kupwara, Khursheed Ahmad Peer, who planted a mulberry sapling in the presence of departmental officials and local farmers.

Officials said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote mulberry cultivation and expand the silk sector in the district. During the event, the Deputy Director also reviewed the department’s activities and encouraged farmers and unemployed youth to take up sericulture under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

As part of the programme, Peer visited several villages in the Lolab area to assess ongoing sericulture activities and interact with farmers associated with the sector. Mulberry plants were also distributed among beneficiaries in the Lolab zone under HADP to increase plantation coverage and improve silkworm cocoon production.

Assistant Sericulture Officer Lolab, Mohammad Younis Baba, along with other field officials, accompanied the Deputy Director during the visit and coordinated the programme at the grassroots level.

Addressing the gathering, Dupty Director Khursheed Ahmad Peer reiterated the department’s commitment to providing technical guidance, training and financial assistance to enhance silk production. He urged unemployed youth, women and interested farmers to avail the benefits of HADP and actively participate in the sericulture sector.

He said the department has set a target of planting around 25,000 mulberry trees across Kupwara district during the current year to expand the mulberry base and strengthen cocoon production.

Peer also congratulated sericulture farmers in Lolab for achieving improved production this year and appreciated growers who were rewarded for their efforts. He assured that farmers adopting scientific practices and continuing their work with dedication will receive full departmental support and incentives in the coming season.