Director Sericulture reviews spring rearing performance and cocoon marketing support in Jammu Division

JAMMU: Director, Sericulture Development Department J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, chaired a review meeting of officers of the Jammu Division at the Directorate of Sericulture, Jammu, to assess progress under various developmental schemes and departmental programmes.

The meeting reviewed the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects under CAPEX, the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Silk Samagra Scheme for financial years 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26, along with the status of pending Utilisation Certificates and beneficiary details under the Direct Benefit Transfer system.

Achievements under silkworm seed production, distribution and cocoon production targets for 2025-26 were also reviewed, alongside the action plan and targets for 2026-27. Progress on the establishment and operationalisation of the Automatic Reeling Unit in Jammu Division came up for discussion, with the Director stressing timely completion of developmental works and effective utilisation of allocated resources.

Reviewing cocoon auctions in the organised markets of Jammu and Udhampur and ongoing marketing in Kathua, the Director noted that cocoon prices during the current year averaged ₹1,400 to ₹1,500 per kg, a favourable outcome for growers. He directed all officers to ensure timely implementation of departmental programmes, expeditious completion of pending works and strict adherence to prescribed timelines and emphasised strengthening sericulture activities at the grassroots level to enhance silk production and improve the socio-economic conditions of associated farmers.

Among those present were Development Officer SDD E&T Rajouri, Deputy Director E&S SDD J&K, the Research Officer, all District Sericulture Officers, Managers Seed and the concerned Seed Unit Incharges and Circle Incharges of Jammu Division.