116.64 MT Cocoon auctioned in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts

Srinagar: Sericulture Development Department has facilitated auction of 116.64 MT Cocoon, costing over Rs 3.19 crore in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts.
Of the total auctioned produce, 16.24 MT, at a cost of Rs 43.23 lakh was sold by 466 farmers in Kathua; 84.04 MT, costing Rs 230.62 lakh, was auctioned by 2010 farmers in Udhampur; 7.09 MT, at Rs 19.72 lakh was sold by 236 farmers in Jammu; and 9.27 MT, fetched Rs 26.18 to 240 farmers in Reasi district.
In view of pandemic, the cocoon produce from the farmers was purchased jointly by the Sericulture Development Department J&K and Jammu Kashmir Industries Ltd, to save the growers from losses in absence of buyers.
Earlier, the Sericulture Development Department used to organize open Silk Cocoon Auction where farmers would interface with the local as well as outside buyers. The markets would witness healthy competition amongst the buyers wherein the farmers would pocket handsome prices of their produce. However, in view of the restrictions imposed in the backdrop of Covid-19 and the absence of the outside buyers these markets could not be conducted.
Keeping in view the pandemic situation, the Principal Secretary to Govt. Agriculture Production Department, took a revolutionary step by dovetailing Sericulture Development Department J&K with Jammu Kashmir Industries Ltd. for purchasing silk cocoons produced by farmers of the UT of J&K. The prices for “A” and “B” grade cocoons were fixed as Rs 975/- and Rs 675/- respectively to avert any sort of exploitation to the farmers and sustain their interest in the activity.
Pertinently, Director J&K Sericulture, on the demand of farming community and silk entrepreneurs of Kashmir, is actively considering organizing the Cocoon auction there. The cocoon auction market calendar to this effect shall be issued very soon.