The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, today launched Mulberry plantation drive at Mirgund Pattan. The drive was organized by Department of Sericulture.Dr. Samoon was accompanied by Director Central Sericulture Research & Training Institute Pampore, Director Sericulture Kashmir Dr Malik Farooq, Deputy Director Sericulture and other concerned officers.Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner said Kashmir was known for silk rearing and once used to be a traditional hub of silk farming as the state is strategically located on the ancient silk route.He stressed the need for increasing and expanding silk production by using modern techniques of silk rearing. The Div Com said Kashmir has the potential of producing high quality silk which can be used to make exquisite handicraft items.
Dr. Samoon said through proper marketing, value addition and Geographical Indication Patenting, Kashmir silk items can become a huge profit earning industry and address unemployment issues to a large extent.On the occasion the Director Sericulture while briefing the Divisional Commissioner about Sericulture cultivation said currently state produces 1,000 metric tons of Silk annually. He said to increase the silk production the Department of Sericulture has initiated the Mulberry plantation drive.While informing the Div Com about the plantation drive, Dr Malik said the department will plant about 4.20 lakh Mulberry saplings across the valley on the farm lands of the department, out of which 68,800 saplings are being planted in convergence mode with MGNERGA scheme. He said the department provides saplings of the plant to cocoon farmers as well free of cost.The Div com said administration will provide all required support for infrastructural up-gradation needed for increasing yield in silk cultivation.