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| Mir suggests setting up of cocoon processing centers | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, JULY 21: Emphasizing the scope of Sericulture in strengthening state’s economy, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today asked the concerned agencies to give cocoon production a big boost. He also suggested setting up of processing centers near the cocoon rearing centers. Reviewing the functioning of Sericulture department here today, Mir said by setting up these processing units not only would the cocoon producers get a ready market but also the state would enter into silk production in a big way. He said the Government has a scheme of 90 per cent subsidy for such entrepreneurs and hoped that progressive farmers particularly youth would seize this opportunity. He also directed distribution of scientifically designed cocoon processing units to farmers against the present practice of cash subsidy.
Minister was informed that already the support price for cocoon has been increased from Rs. 180 to Rs. 210 per Kg. He was told that eight lakh cocoons are produced annually in the state out of which six lakh go outside the state. Minister also directed the department to gear up its district offices and hold Sericulture awareness camps in the prospective villages. He also directed holding a national conference on Sericulture in near future. He directed clearance of bottlenecks in the mulberry insurance cover provided to mulberry labourers.
The Minister categorically directed the officers to ensure that quality of seeds being distributed to farmers is always maintained while he also suggested more seed production at the departmental mulberry farms.
Mir also suggested introduction of cluster plantation at the uncultivable land patches at the departmental farms for which he asked the department to furnish a detailed project report. He also asked to explore the possibility of covering Ladakh under mulberry plantation for which he directed the department to send an expert team there.
The Minister expressed concern over the declining number of Shahtoot trees in the state and stressed on its preservation. He also asked for plantation of mulberry trees on the banks of highways and big roads.
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