Srinagar (KNS), October 19: The Autumn Silk Cocoon Auction Market for Kashmir Division commenced at the Sericulture Complex, Srinagar, on Monday, providing cocoon growers a platform to market their produce through a transparent and competitive auction system.

The market was inaugurated by Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, in the presence of departmental officers, cocoon growers from various districts of Kashmir Division and buyers from within and outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The auction market aims to strengthen marketing infrastructure, improve linkages between cocoon growers and buyers, and promote an organised and remunerative marketing system for the sericulture community. The participation of buyers from within and outside the Union Territory is expected to encourage competition, improve market access and enhance returns for local cocoon growers.

The market also provides growers an opportunity to bring their produce to an organised marketplace, interact directly with buyers and benefit from a transparent auction-based mechanism. The initiative is part of the department’s broader efforts to strengthen the sericulture value chain, from silkworm seed production and cocoon rearing to marketing and silk production, while supporting rural livelihoods and creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers.

Later, Director Sericulture J&K Ajaz Ahmad Bhat visited the Central Organization for Training in Sericulture (COTS), Mirgund, to review the progress of Late Autumn Rearing 2026 and assess the functioning and progress of the newly established Silkworm Crop Improvement Laboratory.

During the visit, the Director reviewed ongoing rearing activities and research and technological interventions aimed at improving silkworm productivity, strengthening breeding programmes and enhancing the overall performance of the sericulture sector in the Union Territory.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He also reviewed the construction and operationalisation of modern laboratory facilities established to strengthen research and crop improvement activities. The newly established Silkworm Crop Improvement Laboratory is intended to support scientific experimentation, breeding-related studies, evaluation of silkworm genetic material and technology-driven interventions to improve the quality and productivity of silkworm crops.

The Director emphasised the importance of translating scientific research and technological advancements into practical benefits for silkworm rearers and the wider sericulture community. He stressed the need for sustained efforts in research, germplasm conservation, breeding and the adoption of improved rearing technologies to enhance productivity, improve cocoon quality and strengthen the competitiveness of Jammu and Kashmir’s sericulture sector.

The inauguration of the Autumn Silk Cocoon Auction Market in Srinagar, along with the review of ongoing rearing activities and research initiatives at COTS Mirgund, reflects the department’s integrated approach towards strengthening both the marketing and technological aspects of sericulture.

Through improved market access, scientific crop improvement, modern laboratory infrastructure and sustained institutional interventions, the Sericulture Development Department, J&K, continues to work towards enhancing cocoon production, supporting the farming community and advancing the growth of the sericulture sector across the Union Territory.(KNS)