Production to Increase, Middleman-ship to GO: DCS
Pulwama – Kashmirs famed Silk Industry that once acted as a major support to state economy has been facing a severe decay over the years is now getting a phased treatment as the government today inaugurated Cocoon Auction Market at Sericulture Complex at Nikas Pulwama, with an aim that its production shall increase many fold here.
The district development commissioner, Pulwama, Shafat Noor Balnas today inaugurated the auction.
On the occasion, the local cocoon rearers interacted with the people from outside the state interested in the cocoon marketing. A large number of farmers involved in cocoon rearing and sericulture related activities participated in the inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion, DC said that by extending market and transport facilities at the doorsteps of the farmers of the district, the cocoon production shall increase many fold. He also urged to avoid middleman during selling process and expected that cocoon growers of the district shall fetch better dividends for their products in the open market.
Among others, the deputy director, Sericulture, Pulwama, Javaid Ahmad, officers of the department and large number of cocoon growers were also present on the occasion.
It may be recalled here, Cocoon has been once a major support to state economy, the famed Silk Industry of Kashmir has faced severe decay over the years.
Historians say a century ago Kashmir had dynamic silk trade. In 1940s, the precious silk yarn produced in Kashmir was exported to entire Europe, they said.
A cursory look at statistics shows that during its heyday in 1980s the cocoon production in Kashmir had reached more than 15 lakh kilograms.
Officials say when the silk industry in France was almost wiped out by a disease to the silkworm seed the country imported material from Kashmir to revive its industry.
But then the time changed for the worse for the Kashmir silk industry. The cocoon production dropped to 60,000 kgs in late 90s.
Governments negligence towards protection and development of the silk industry and low market price weaned away the farmers.
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