Navin reviews functioning of Sericulture Dev Deptt, stresses on technological interventions

Jammu : A review meeting of Sericulture Development Department was held here Friday under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Sericulture, Agriculture and Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary to discuss overall functioning of the Sericulture Department.
On the occasion, Director Sericulture, Manzoor Ahmad Qadiri gave a power point presentation on various developmental activities of the Department both under pre-cocoon and post- cocoon sectors besides division wise present status of Sericulture Industry.
Director Sericulture also apprised that presently Sericulture is practiced by 27000 families in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with annual cocoon production of 800 MT & Raw silk production of 117 MT.
The Principal Secretary stressed to develop the sector on modern lines so that the farmers associated with the sector are benefitted. He laid stress on, Sericulture generating additional sources of income for the rural masses and in this endeavor efforts need to be taken by all the stakeholders by taking the required steps and resources utilizations in the present context of requirements of the Sector.
Navin Choudhary stressed that new and required interventions need to be taken for a substantial increase in quality Cocoon/Raw silk Production with at least minimum annual 10% increase from the present levels in the coming years with massive Mulberry plantations.
Principal Secretary stressed upon the officers the need to work in synergy with clear cut strategies and developmental plans with focus on specific technological interventions at farmers level like use of Hot Air Drying facility by farmers, reorganizing cocoon auction markets on larger scales within minimum time and involving JKI in purchasing cocoons so as to ensure a healthy competition amongst the buyers to prevent any distress sale of Cocoons.
District Sericulture Officer, Jammu, Anju Koul and Technical Officer of Sericulture Department, Kulbir Singh also attended the meeting.