Kashmir sericulturists reap profits by shifting to bivoltine for better yield

In an effort to revamp the silk industry and reap good profits, the Department of Sericulture in Jammu and Kashmir has shifted to bivoltine sericulture technology.

Kashmir silk industry was once holding a significant position in the world due to its superior quality and lustre, but gradually, the industry witnessed a sharp decline.

With the recent initiatives undertaken by the sericulture department and the state government, the industry has tried to regain its lost sheen.

Deputy Director, Sericulture Development Office, Kathua, Uman Ullah Sheikh said that the department laid more emphasis on the quality of the cocoons.

"We laid more emphasis on quality improvement, as the rate of the cocoon will increase with the improved quality," said Shiekh.

India has an overall demand of 48000 metric tones of silk annually. It is the second largest producer and consumer of silk products in the world. The state has achieved 10 percent increase in cocoon production as compared to last year's production.

A cocoon rearer, Kasam Din said, that the sericulture department was working in the interest of the rearers.

"The department of sericulture is working for the benefit of the sericulturists. Around 90 percent of our population is involved in sericulture and they reap good profits," aid Din.

Around 4400 families are engaged in the cocoon production and the Kathua district has achieved the mark of 1, 30,000 kilograms of cocoon production.