The Director Sericulture Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Ajaz Ahmad Bhat Wednesday, commenced a significant fruit bearing mulberry plantation propagation at the Basic Seed Station Mirgund of Baramulla district. During the visit he inspected various Mulberry Nurseries/ Farms, Silkworm Seed Units and the Office of Manager Seed, Sericulture Development Department, Basic Seed Station Mirgund.
Speaking on occasion the Director informed that for the 1st time in Jammu and Kashmir 2500 exotic fruit bearing cuttings including Multicaulis (Indonesia); Okinawa (Japan); French black (France); KRZ (Kyrgyzstan) have been imported by the department and simultaneously plantation of improved varieties of mulberry plants has been conducted in 20 kanals of land in Mirgund pattan.
Concurrently, plantation of improved mulberry varieties has been initiated in 20 kanals of land in Mirgund Pattan. This initiative aims to distribute the improved Mulberry Plants to various districts of Jammu & Kashmir and among Silkworm Rearers and Farmers in adjacent areas, he said.
Additionally, the department plans to propagate more than 1 lakh mulberry plants at Mirgund Farm during the next year 2024-25, marking a pivotal step towards fostering innovation and diversification within the sector, he added.
The Director emphasized the need for officers of the department to work zealously to achieve all developmental targets. He urged for an extensive mulberry plantation drive to ensure availability of leaf reserves for silkworm rearers in the upcoming rearing season and encouraged efforts towards doubling cocoon production.
Furthermore, the Director stressed the importance of strengthening surveillance of boundary walls of all Mulberry Nurseries, Farms, Units, and various offices of the Seed Stations to prevent trespassing or damage to departmental assets. He urged officers to take measures to safeguard departmental assets and report any encroachment urgently.
During his interaction with employees at the Seed Station, the Director encouraged them to work with dedication and strive for quality Silkworm Seed production. He emphasized the need to increase Seed production capacity for achieving self-sufficiency in silkworm seed production and abundant mulberry foliage as leaf bank in the UT of J&K.
The Manager Seed, Basic Seed Station, Mirgund, and other officers were also present during the visit.
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