The Biz Reporter
Jammu, December 27: Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director of Sericulture J&K, chaired a comprehensive review meeting today at the Directorate of Sericulture Development, Camp Office, B.C. Road, Jammu. Senior officers and officials of the department attended the meeting to assess ongoing activities, outreach initiatives, and future strategies aimed at strengthening the sericulture sector in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the Director emphasized the need to intensify awareness among silkworm rearers, sericulture farmers, and youth of Jammu & Kashmir about various departmental schemes and benefits. He stressed that officers must proactively engage with stakeholders at the grassroots level and ensure that intended beneficiaries are fully informed about support mechanisms, incentives, and training opportunities offered by the department.
Mr. Bhat underscored the importance of increasing the number of silkworm rearers and farmers, particularly youth and women, to take up sericulture as a viable and sustainable livelihood option. He highlighted that awareness programs, field demonstrations, and direct interactions with farmers are crucial for building confidence and encouraging wider participation in the sector.
The Director further stressed the need to bolster the quality and quantity of cocoon production in the UT. He directed officers to focus on disseminating improved rearing practices, ensuring timely supply of quality silkworm seed, promoting adoption of scientific methods, and implementing effective disease management to ensure better productivity and higher returns for farmers.
Reviewing the progress of ongoing awareness programs, Mr. Bhat called for their further strengthening and expansion across all districts. He instructed field functionaries to organize regular awareness camps, training sessions, and exposure visits so that beneficiaries can fully utilize the benefits of departmental schemes and modern technologies.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to work in mission mode for the holistic development of the sericulture sector in Jammu & Kashmir, with special focus on awareness generation, capacity building, and sustainable enhancement of quality cocoon production, thereby improving the socio-economic conditions of silkworm rearers and farming communities across the UT.
