Srinagar, May 1: Director Sericulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, today facilitated the distribution of silkworm seed to various districts of the Kashmir Valley, marking the commencement of the silkworm rearing season.

The event was organized by the Sericulture Development Department, J&K at the Main Grainage, Srinagar.
On the occasion, Bhat underscored the importance of ensuring the timely distribution of silkworm seed to each and every silkworm rearer. He exhorted all field functionaries to extend necessary technical guidance and advisory support to rearers so that they do not face any difficulties during the rearing.
The Director further stated that the department has embarked upon a mission to achieve self-sufficiency in silkworm seed production adding that significant progress has already been made in this direction though much remains to be accomplished. He emphasized that the Department of Sericulture is working relentlessly not only to achieve indigenous production of silkworm seed at the local level but also to explore avenues for its export to other States and Union Territories across the country.
Highlighting the socio-economic potential of the sector, the Director called upon the local youth to actively participate in sericulture activities to secure an honourable livelihood and support their families. He also stressed the need to attract more people towards the sericulture sector noting that it contributes to the preservation of nature, ecology and the environment while simultaneously helping steer youth away from the menace of drug abuse.
The Director was accompanied by senior officers of the department, field functionaries and silkworm rearers.