Cocoon Auction Market complex at Nowshera constructed and completed with an investment to the tune o f Rs 60 lakh under Catalytic Development Programme (CDP) scheme of Central Silk Board, Union Ministry of Textiles and J&K Government will cater to the market needs of more than 4000 cocoon producers of the area was inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture Production Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura.

The Minister said that the producers of the area can now easily come to this cocoon auction market to sell their cocoon produce. The department of Sericulture will organize cocoon auction markets in all districts of the state and provide market facilities to cocoon producers and buyers for sale and purchase of cocoon.

Highlighting various schemes launched in the state for the benefit of silkworm rearers, the Minister directed the officers of Sericulture Department to organize awareness camps in the district and make farmers aware about the welfare schemes. He also stressed for adoption of latest technologies so that cocoon production and quality is improved substantially resulting in higher returns to the rearers.

Earlier, Director Sericulture apprised the Minister that last year 21683 ounces of silkworm seed was distributed among 20979 rears in Jammu division earning an amount of 12.59 crore on account of sale of their cocoons.

Rajouri is leading district in the state in cocoon production where 6630 rearers are practicing sericulture. Last year 7680 ounces of silkworm seed was distributed among the rearers and 2.35 lakh Kgs of cocoons were produced and rearers earned an amount of Rs 4.35 crore.