Cocoon rearing a viable, profitable enterprise: Director Sericulture; Inaugurates Cocoon Auction Market at Sarnal, Anantnag

ANANTNAG: The Director Sericulture Development Department, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri today inaugurated Cocoon Auction Market at Sarnal Anantnag.

The purpose of the market is to facilitate open auction of cocoons produced by the farmers of twin districts of Anantnag and Kulgam and shall remain open till September, 03 this year.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director said that the department has created marketing infrastructure with requisite facilities for open auction of cocoons and storage and residential facilities for locals as well as outside buyers. This has been done to ensure healthy competitions during the auctioning process so as to boost the price of the produce, he added.

Interacting with the growers, the Director said that cocoon rearing is a viable and profitable enterprise and the department is making efforts to attract more youth towards the sector. This provides livelihood opportunities to them and also creates a competitive market environment, remarked the Director.

Qadri said that the department is incentivising the farmers for bulk production which has helped in achieving the targets.

The officials of the department narrated that during the current year 640 MTs of cocoons are expected to be transacted in the market. For growers, DBT facility has been provided while as for buyers cocoon bank facility is available, added the officials.

The Market witnessed participation of a large number of growers and buyers besides the officials of the concerned department.