Reasi| : District Development Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik Thursday chaired a meeting to review the functioning and achievements of the Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Sericulture Departments in the district.
The DDC took a detailed review of the ongoing activities, physical and financial achievements and progress made under the centrally sponsored programmes by each department. She emphasized the need for effective implementation of livelihood-oriented schemes to enhance income generation and promote sustainable rural development.
The officers of the concerned departments briefed the DDC about various initiatives being undertaken to promote sheep and wool production, fish farming and silk cultivation across the district. They also highlighted the challenges being faced at the ground level and the measures being implemented to address them.
While reviewing the Sheep Husbandry Department, the DDC directed the officers to explore the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to ensure better market linkages, collective branding and value addition of sheep and wool products. She stated that such initiatives would empower local farmers and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The DDC also reviewed the staff strength, status of migratory and semi-migratory camps, and other operational aspects of the departments. It was informed that 100% of the physical and financial targets have been achieved.
While reviewing the working of the Fisheries Department, the DDC inquired about the status of fisheries licenses in the district. It was informed that a target of constructing eight Trout Units has been set for 2025–26, out of which five have already been completed.
Similarly, the target of establishing Fish Culture Units in the private sector under the CSS PMMSY has been fully achieved, while ₹23 lakh has been received for strengthening and upgradation of the Fish Farm at Anji, Reasi.
Taking stock of the Sericulture Department activities, the DDC was apprised that 704 families are currently engaged in silkworm rearing in the district, producing 20.29 MT of Bivoltine cocoons.
The departmental functionaries further informed that there are around 4.33 lakh mulberry trees in the District, with an annual silkworm seed consumption of 68,500 DFLs and an average cocoon yield of 33 kg per 100 DFLs.
The DDC noted that Sericulture, Sheep Rearing and Fish farming has immense potential for income and employment generation in the district. “Officers must encourage more youth to take up fisheries as a viable livelihood option under various government schemes,” she added.
She also discussed the expenditure under HADP, including construction of rearing houses and capacity building initiatives to further strengthen the sector and told them to enhance it further.
The meeting was attended by CPO Narider Kumar, DSHO, District Sericulture Officer and AD Fisheries were present.
