Srinagar December (KNS): Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS) after taking over charge of Director Sericulture J&K held a review meeting of Kashmir Division in the Directorate of Sericulture Dev. Department J&K at Tulsibagh Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by Development officer ISDP Sonawari, Project Executive Officer, Kashmir and District Sericulture Officers and Zonal Officers of Kashmir Division.
Taking the review, the Director emphasized upon the importance of utilizing the assets of the department to the maximum keeping in view its mandate to increase the area under Mulberry plantation as well as Seed production at the departmental level and assisting the farmers in Silkworm rearing for achieving quality Cocoon production.
He highlighted the goal of doubling the cocoon production and income of the Silkworm rearers and farmers in J&K. He was of the view that Sericulture being a cash crop Industry can significantly contribute in changing the economic conditions of the poor sections of the rural society as minimum inputs are required to start this activity which require an active support of the Department. He asked for working on new strategies and interventions in the critical areas for creating visible impact on the ground. He called for area expansion in Sericulture by covering tribal/ border belts and other potential areas on cluster mode with the help of holding awareness camps.
At the same time latest technologies developed by research Institutes need to be taken at farmers level and skill of the Cocoon producers needs to be upgraded with trainings and exposure visits. He exhorted upon all the officers present in the meeting to exert more efforts for protection of Mulberry Wealth and asked field staff to take actions against the encroachers and stop Illegal cutting of Mulberry trees in the field.
During the review meeting he asked for taking Mulberry Plantation all around the National Highways and other areas. In the meeting the District officers briefed the Director about the various annual developmental activities of the department both under Capex and CSS (SILK SAMGARA) and HADP with achievements made so far in their respective districts. The Director desired for achieving the set targets in respect of all schemes within shortest possible time. He called for sustained efforts by all the Officers through proactive approaches and field movements for regular farmer interactions to get first hand information for redressing grievances and at the same time make their staff work on mission mode and accountable for the assigned duties for an altogether development of Sericulture in coming years. (KNS)