SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 08: Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, has emphasized enhancement of cocoon productivity and quality besides improving market facilities in the State.
The Minister was speaking while inaugurating the Modern Silkworm Seed Breeding Unit at Mirgund in Pattan. The plant has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.15 crore.
Principal Secretary Agriculture Production, Sandeep Kumar Naik, Secretary Agriculture Production, Showkat Hussain Beig, Director Sericulture, Mir Tariq and other senior officers of the department were present on the occasion.
Hanjura said that concerted efforts are being made to promote silk industry in the State and special funds are being arranged for silk-worm and raw silk production besides upgradation of infrastructure in the department.
He also said that Silk Cocoon rearing is turning out to be a profitable and viable option for farmers with the State Government extending assistance through various incentives, technological inputs and timely guidance in this regard. He added that financial assistance is also being provided to local silk reeling units through loans and other incentives to be provided to benefit farmers as well as local unit holders.
Hajura said that cocoon auction market has been set up for farmers to sell their cocoons at competitive rates to buyers both within and outside the State. He added that cocoon growers are receiving double the price for their produce this year in the auction market compared to that of the previous year.
The Agriculture Minister expressed happiness with the upshot, saying that it was due to the sustained efforts of the concerned department that both Silk Cocoon production and its quality has improved. He also said Government is working on different initiatives so that integrated Silk Industry flourishes in the State.
