Saying that it is time to transform Sericulture sector into a viable, profitable and sustainable enterprise, Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Khalil Bandh today directed concerned officials to start 17 seed houses to boost silkworm production in Kashmir.The Minister made these remarks during a visit of Sericulture complex at Tulsibagh and Alochibagh.He was accompanied by Commissioner Secretary Agriculture production Mehrajudin Khan, Director General Tariq Ali Mir and other officials.The Minister stressed on the officers to work for achieving the target of cocoon production and raw silk production with value addition coupled with employment generation.During the tour, Minister visited departmental Nurseries and was informed about the production capacity of saplings per year and present annual sapling production.
Minister while getting feedback about the total available mulberry wealth in the State, asked the officials to safeguard the sericulture assets across the state.Regarding the seed sector, he was informed that there are 6 Grainages, 9 basic Seed stations and their infrastructural status.Stressing on the employment generation potential of sericulture sector, the Bandh said that commercial silkworm rearing has to be increased.He asked for increasing commercial silkworm rearing, rearers, sericulture villages for increasing income generation from the sale of cocoons.During his maiden visit to the site, Bandh asked for cooperation from all employees for revitalizing the department.The Minister also visited community rearing centre and interacted with the group members.The members informed the Minister about the help provided by the sericulture department and the income it generates for them.