Jammu, Apr 21: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 2.48 crore Cluster Promotion Programme for Rajouri district which will be implemented in Lam/Laroka village benefiting a huge chunk of local populace.
 This, according to an official statement, was stated by Minister for Agriculture,   G H Mir, while inaugurating a Cocoon Ware House worth Rs. 52 lakh at Sunderbani constructed under Prime Minister’s package.
 Mir extolled that an income of Rs.2.25 crore has been registered by achieving 235 MT silk production by 5500 families of the district during 2009-10, who have established their own income generating units. “Rajouri district tops in silk production in the State”, he added.
 The Minister also inaugurated a Kissan Mela in which the farmers put-forth their problems and demands before him and sought an immediate redressal.
 The Director Sericulture apprised the Minister about the schemes and achievements of the department, informing that 20 Mulberry Nurseries have been established in the district during 2009-10, besides creating mulberry gardens by the farmers. Besides, 643 beneficiaries have been provided roofing material up to ending of 2009-10 for construction of Silkworm Rearing Room whereas 1110 beneficiaries have been provided rearing equipments.
 Speaking on the occasion, the Minister declared that the Government would soon enhance the subsidy, being given to the farmers for construction of cocoon rearing sheds from Rs.17,000 to Rs. 50,000. He emphasized the need of complete utilization of silk cocoon within the State for their conversion into value added products instead of exporting the same to other states.

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