GANDERBAL: The Director of Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, today undertook a comprehensive visit to the tribal areas of Kangan in District Ganderbal under the Public Outreach Initiative Programme.
The primary objective of the visit was to raise awareness about the facilities and incentives provided by the department to silkworm rearers and individuals of tribal areas interested in adopting silkworm rearing as a means of earning a dignified livelihood.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Sericulture said that Silkworm rearing being an in-house practice does not require large space, thus, making it accessible and advantageous for both general and landless farmers. He informed the public about the plethora of facilities being provided by the department which also includes financial assistance for the construction of rearing sheds in a phased manner for the Silkworm rearers.
The Director visited various mulberry farms and nurseries in the district and inaugurated an extensive mulberry plantation drive by planting a mulberry plant at Degree College Campus, Kangan in the presence of Sadaf Nazir, Principal of Degree College, Kangan.
On the occasion, the Director informed that the department has a target of planting 10,000 Mulberry saplings in Kangan, Ganderbal as part of the extensive mulberry plantation drive of the department.
Emphasizing the importance of mulberry Plantation across J&K, he informed that Mulberry plants are indispensable for sustaining the growth of the Sericulture Sector in J&K and keeping readily available mulberry foliage to Silkworm Rearers for hassle-free silkworm rearing.
Director Sericulture also inaugurated a 5-day Skill Development Training Programme at the Degree Collage, Kangan in District Ganderbal under Capacity Building Activities for Silkworm Rearers/Farmers. These skill Development Training programmes are being organized across J&K as part of the department’s strategic plan for the year 2023-24 under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP).
Moreover, he also informed that the department is also organizing Exposure Visits of Silkworm Rearers/Farmers to Mulberry Farm Srinagar and Udhampur, and the department facilitates such exposure visits outside U.T of J&K as well. Against this backdrop, the department organizes special skill up-gradation programmes for college students in Tribal Areas for their skill up-gradation and awareness about various schemes of the Government.
On the occasion, as a token of encouragement, the Director of Sericulture felicitated silkworm rearers with tool kits.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Degree College, Kangan highlighted the need for imparting skill up-gradation and awareness about various schemes of the Government. Moreover, she expressed her satisfaction that such programmes will go a long way in fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship among students so that they shall become self-sufficient and successful in their future endeavours.
Director Sericulture was accompanied by the District Sericulture Officer Ganderbal, Officers from Central Silk Board and the field functionaries of the department of District Ganderbal.
