In Jammu & Kashmir the Sericulture Development Department has facilitated auction of 116.64 Metric Tonnes Cocoon, costing over Rs 3.19 crore in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts.<br />''<br />''In view of Covid-19 pandemic, the cocoon produce from the farmers was purchased jointly by Sericulture Development Department and J&K Industries Ltd, to save the growers from losses in absence of buyers.<br />''<br />''Earlier, the department used to organize open Silk Cocoon Auction where farmers would interface with local as well as outside buyers.<br />'' <br />''The markets would witness healthy competition amongst the buyers wherein the farmers would pocket handsome price of their produce.<br />'' <br />''Keeping in view the pandemic situation, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, took a new step by dovetailing Sericulture Department with J&K Industries Ltd. for purchasing silk cocoons produced by farmers of the UT.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The prices for "A" and "B" grade cocoons were fixed as Rs 975/- and Rs 675/- respectively.</span><br />