A meeting of officers was today convened at the Department of Sericulture to discuss and chalk out strategy for hassle free marketing of silk cocoons in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic prevalent in the valley.The meeting decided to kick start the marketing by establishing a cocoon auction market within the premises of Directorate of Sericulture, Tulsi Bagh Srinagar with effect from 21st of September, 2020 for the farmers of District Budgam, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Baramulla.It was informed that the marketing of cocoons in respect of other districts shall be conducted in their respective districts as per the cocoon auction market calendar. The prices for A and B grade silk cocoons have been fixed at the rate of Rs. 975 and Rs.675 respectively after taking Jammu Kashmir Industries-(JKI) on board being potentially the main buyer of the produce.It was given out that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the Covid-19 shall be followed in letter and spirit during the Cocoon Auction Market.It was further informed that the department shall allow participation of a limited number of cocoon growers in the market in view of pandemic.