Srinagar, Jan 13 (KNS) : The Directorate of Sericulture Development, Jammu & Kashmir, has launched an exposure tour for local silkworm rearers and farmers, aiming to modernize the region’s sericulture sector. The inaugural batch for 2026 was flagged off today by Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director General of Sericulture, J&K.
Organized under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in collaboration with the Central Silk Board, Government of India, the tour will take participants to key sericulture hubs in Mysuru and Bengaluru. The initiative is designed to strengthen technical expertise by exposing farmers to advanced practices in silkworm rearing, mulberry cultivation, seed production, disease management, and post-cocoon technologies.
During the program, participants will have unrestricted access to leading institutions, experts, and practitioners to facilitate immersive learning and professional exchange.
In his address to the departing farmers, Mr.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBhat emphasized the importance of adopting modern, scientific techniques to enhance productivity and cocoon quality. “Continuous learning and implementation of best practices are vital for the sustainable growth of sericulture,” he stated.
He further announced that additional tours and capacity-building programs will be conducted to benefit more farmers across Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Bhat expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would be shared within the farming community and effectively applied in local rearing operations.
The department expects the exposure to encourage farmers to diversify into value-added activities within the sector, thereby augmenting their income. Officials emphasized that such initiatives are critical for boosting silk cocoon production, improving livelihoods, and fostering the socio-economic upliftment of sericulture-dependent communities in the Union Territory. (KNS)