Srinagar, Aug 19: The Spring Silk Cocoon Auction Market for Kashmir commenced today at the Sericulture Complex, Srinagar.

The market was inaugurated by Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director Sericulture, in the presence of departmental officers, cocoon growers from various districts of Kashmir Division and buyers from within and outside the Union Territory.
The Cocoon Auction Market has been organized with the objective of ensuring fair and remunerative prices to cocoon growers through a transparent and competitive bidding process. The initiative is part of the Department’s continued efforts to strengthen the sericulture sector and improve the economic well-being of silkworm rearers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director reiterated the Department’s commitment to providing adequate market facilities to cocoon growers and ensuring better returns for their produce. He also highlighted the focus on expanding the infrastructure base by establishing more Silkworm Reeling Units across Jammu & Kashmir to promote local silk production.
“Our aim is to ensure that the cocoon produce generated in Jammu & Kashmir is largely consumed within the Union Territory itself. This will not only boost the local silk industry but also help our farmers realize better returns for their produce,” Bhat said.
The auction market is expected to contribute significantly towards enhancing the income of cocoon growers by facilitating direct interaction between sellers and buyers, promoting competitive bidding and ensuring transparent price discovery. The Department has put in place arrangements for the smooth conduct of the auction, including proper space allocation, weighing and quality assessment facilities.
Cocoon growers and buyers actively participated in the auction process. The growers appreciated the arrangements and transparent mechanism adopted by the Department, expressing hope for better returns in view of the improved quality and quantity of cocoons produced across Kashmir Division.
The buyers also appreciated the quality of cocoons available at the market, noting improvement in both quality and quantum compared to previous years.
The successful commencement of the Cocoon Auction Market marks another significant step towards empowering cocoon growers, strengthening the local silk value chain and revitalizing the silk industry in Jammu & Kashmir.