Jammu Kashmir Director Sericulture Suspends Three Over Mulberry Damage

SRINAGAR: To reinforce discipline and protect vital sericulture assets, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director of Sericulture, Jammu and Kashmir, carried out a detailed inspection of the Basic Seed Station (BSS) at Mirgund in Baramulla on Sunday. The visit focused on reviewing the critical pathological examination of mother moths and assessing ongoing silkworm rearing operations crucial to the production of Disease-Free Layings (DFLs), a key to enhancing cocoon yield across Kashmir.

During the visit, Bhat inspected the Mulberry Nurseries, Farms, and Seed Units and interacted with staff to evaluate field-level performance. Stressing the need for efficiency, ecological sustainability, and hygiene, he urged the workforce to cultivate a disciplined and collaborative work culture to meet sericulture targets under various schemes.

The Director flagged growing concerns over land encroachments and illegal mulberry tree felling — actions that threaten the backbone of the region’s silk industry. “Such unlawful acts will be dealt with strictly under the law,” he warned, reiterating the department’s zero-tolerance policy toward damage to government property.

Citing a recent incident of asset damage at the Poshnar Mulberry Nursery in Shopian, Bhat revealed that three employees had been placed under suspension following complaints and pending a departmental inquiry. He said the action would serve as a deterrent against negligence and complicity.

The Director was accompanied by senior officials, including the District Sericulture Officer Budgam and the Seed Manager of BSS Mirgund. The visit is seen as part of a broader departmental push to safeguard infrastructure, enhance seed quality, and enforce accountability within Jammu and Kashmir’s sericulture sector.