The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Nov 25: In a major step towards revitalizing the sericulture industry in Jammu and Kashmir, Director Sericulture J&K, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, oversaw the demarcation of land for a state-of-the-art Modern Silkworm Seed Centre (Grainage) at Alochi Bagh, Srinagar. The facility, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹3.21 crores, is poised to transform the region’s silkworm seed production landscape.
The upcoming Silkworm Seed Centre will have the capacity to produce 10 lakh Disease-Free Layings (DFLs) annually, paving the way for self-reliance in silkworm seed production. This aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen the sericulture industry, uplift the income of silkworm rearers, and promote sustainable development across the Union Territory.
“A New Era for Sericulture in J&K”
Speaking at the site, Mr. Bhat emphasized the project’s significance in addressing the growing demand for high-quality silkworm seeds while reducing reliance on external sources. “The establishment of this Modern Silkworm Seed Centre will usher in a new era for the sericulture industry in J&K,” he remarked. “It will not only cater to the local demand for Disease-Free Layings but also uplift the socio-economic conditions of our sericulture farmers.”
Mr. Bhat highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the sector through enhanced infrastructure, advanced technology, and comprehensive capacity-building programs.
On-Site Supervision and Directives
During his visit, Mr. Bhat personally inspected other ongoing works at the site, reviewing the progress of infrastructure projects under the Sericulture Development Department. He directed the Assistant Executive Engineer (A.E.E.), R&B, to expedite the ongoing construction while maintaining the highest quality standards.
He further instructed the department to adhere strictly to the project’s timeline, ensuring its timely completion to benefit the region’s sericulture stakeholders.
Accompanying Officials and Vision for the Future
The Director was joined by several senior officials, including the Additional Director, Sericulture Development Department Kashmir; Project Executive Officer, Sericulture Development Department Srinagar; District Sericulture Officer, Srinagar/Budgam; and Manager Seed, Basic Seed Station Mirgund/Srinagar.
The accompanying officials expressed their optimism about the project’s potential to bolster the region’s status as a leading silkworm seed producer in India.
The Modern Silkworm Seed Centre is a critical component of the government’s broader strategy to modernize the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Through innovative infrastructure projects and targeted interventions, the initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of silkworm farmers while positioning J&K as a significant player in the sericulture industry nationally.
Milestone for J&K’s Sericulture Industry
The demarcation of land for this crucial project marks a pivotal milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s journey toward self-reliance and growth in the sericulture sector. By meeting the local demand for Disease-Free Layings and supporting the expansion of sericulture farming, the centre promises to strengthen the Union Territory’s economic fabric.
This development comes as part of a series of government measures aimed at modernizing agriculture-related industries in J&K, underscoring its commitment to socio-economic progress and sustainable growth.
