The Modern Silkworm Seed Breeding Unit at Mirgund in Pattan with an estimated cost of Rs1.15 has been completed. The plant was inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura. Speaking at the inaugural, the Minister emphasized enhancement of cocoon productivity and quality besides improving market facilities in the state.

Hanjura said that concerted efforts are being made to promote silk industry in the State and special funds are being arranged for silk-worm and raw silk production besides upgradation of infrastructure in the department.

He also said that Silk Cocoon rearing is turning out to be a profitable and viable option for farmers with the State Government extending assistance through various incentives, technological inputs and timely guidance in this regard. Financial assistance is also being provided to local silk reeling units through loans and other incentives to be provided to benefit farmers as well as local unit holders.

The cocoon auction market has been set up for farmers to sell their cocoons at competitive rates to buyers both within and outside the State. The cocoon growers are receiving double the price for their produce this year in the auction market compared to that of the previous year.

The Agriculture Minister said that it was due to the sustained efforts of the concerned department that both Silk Cocoon production and its quality has improved. He also said Government is working on different initiatives so that integrated Silk Industry flourishes in the State.

To increase the production and quality of silkworm seed breeding, the Minister said that modern technology has been introduced in the department even as he emphasized the need to have developmental plans for the industry formulated at block levels so that impact of schemes reaches grass root level.

Hanjura also stressed on the need to have a comprehensive action plan to increase cocoon productivity and mulberry plantation in the State.

On the occasion, the Minister also had an interactive session with cocoon growers and others associated with the trade. He assured them that all their genuine concerns are considered on priority.

Principal Secretary Agriculture Production, Sandeep Kumar Naik, briefed the growers about the activities of the department being implemented to promote sericulture and silk industry in the State on the occasion.

Secretary Agriculture Production, Showkat Hussain Beig, Director Sericulture, Mir Tariq and other senior officers of the department were present on the occasion.