Jammu, Oct 11 (KNS): Director Sericulture, Jammu and Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS) on Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Directorate of Sericulture Development Department, Camp Office Jammu, to assess ongoing activities and developmental projects across the Jammu Division.

The meeting focused on evaluating current progress and planning future strategies for expanding mulberry plantations, increasing silk cocoon production, and enhancing the capacity of stakeholders involved in sericulture.

During the meeting, Bhat directed officers to accelerate work on existing projects and adopt innovative and scientific approaches to increase productivity and improve the income of silkworm rearers and farmers. He also stressed the importance of timely completion of developmental works and effective field monitoring to ensure visible results.

Highlighting the department’s achievements so far, the Director said efforts should now be concentrated on strengthening weak areas and creating a robust sericulture ecosystem in the region. He issued instructions for the timely organization of cocoon auction markets across the division so that silkworm rearers get fair and remunerative prices for their produce.

Bhat also emphasized the modernization of infrastructure and departmental facilities to improve efficiency and provide quick assistance to beneficiaries under various central and state-sponsored schemes.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelOfficers were asked to submit regular progress reports for effective oversight and evaluation.

Calling for teamwork, dedication, and transparency, the Director urged the department to function as a cohesive unit to achieve the goal of sustainable sericulture development in Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciated the efforts of field staff and officers for their dedication and asked them to redouble their efforts toward realizing the full potential of the sector.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the department both in person and through virtual mode. It concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair and all participants for their valuable contributions.

Later in the day, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat visited several mulberry nurseries, farms, and silkworm seed stations across the Jammu Division, where he interacted with silkworm rearers and field functionaries. He assured them of full departmental support for smooth and successful silkworm rearing under various government schemes.

He encouraged the adoption of modern and scientific sericulture practices to boost production and urged women and youth to actively participate in the sector for sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Bhat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sericulture as a viable source of employment and economic growth across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)