Udhampur, June 20: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai today inaugurated cocoon auction market at Mehlat, Udhampur.
This market will cater to approximately 5,000 rearers across the Udhampur district, from Ramkot to Chenani and Basantgarh to Panchari, Moungri.
Rearers will sell their cocoons in this market, attracting buyers from Karnataka and West Bengal, who are expected to purchase about 90% of the produce. Local buyers from Kashmir and Jammu are also participating. The market will operate until July 13, 2024, with a floor price of Rs. 800 per kg for dry cocoons, up from the previous Rs. 510 per kg.
An awareness camp on the directions of Director Sericulture Development Department Jammu and Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, was also organized by the department, during which rearing appliances were distributed to the farmers by the Deputy Commissioner.
DC interacted with the rearers, inquiring about the challenges they face. The District Sericulture Officer Udhampur welcomed DC Udhampur and presented a report on the department’s achievements in the district.