JK Govt asks private investments in sericulture, mushroom, apiculture

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*Govt. would also give 90% subsidy on cost of machinery used for setting up of cocoon processing units

*The cocoon produce got a good price with per kilo cost going up to Rs. 490.

*Govt. has fixed a minimum support price of Rs. 210 for cocoon

*If anyone wants to plant 300 or more mulberry plants, would get cash incentive of Rs. 2200

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sought investments by the private/corporate sector in mushroom cultivation, bee keeping and sericulture in Jammu and Kashmir state.

Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today sought support of the corporate sector to give agriculture a turnaround and make it a profitable and employable sector.

Interacting with a deputation of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) led by its president, Nazir Ahmad, the Minister invited private sector to come forward and invest in sectors like mushroom cultivation, bee keeping and sericulture.

The Minister informed the deputation that already there are many schemes and incentives for the entrepreneurs venturing into these sectors.

Responding to their demand of inclusion of silk production in corporate sector, the Minister said the Government would provide mulberry saplings free of cost to any one wishing to grow mulberry plants. He said, additionally, if anyone wants to plant 300 or more mulberry plants, he would be given a cash incentive of Rs. 2200 additionally. He said the Govt. would also give 90% subsidy on cost of machinery used for setting up of cocoon processing units.

Mir said this year the cocoon produce got a good price with per kilo cost going up to Rs. 490. He said the Govt. has fixed a minimum support price of Rs. 210 for cocoon so that the rearers are insulated from any market backlash. He said the Govt. intends to revive silk industry in Kashmir to its erstwhile glory and sought their support in it.

Likewise, he said, the Govt. will facilitate propagation of apiculture, saffron and mushroom cultivation where also there are similar schemes and incentives.

Thanking the Minister for his interest, the deputation assured him of support in the development of these sectors leading to the revival of the state’s economy.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Sonali Kumar and OSD, Agriculture, M.Y Lone also attended the meeting.