Rajouri, March 20 (KNS): The Sericulture Development Department, Jammu & Kashmir in collaboration with the Central Silk Board’s Regional Sericultural Research Station (CSB-RSRS), Miran Sahib, Jammu, successfully organized a one-day Resham Krishi Mela at Dak Bungalow, Nowshera, Rajouri. The event celebrated the achievements of the sericulture community while aiming to encourage broader participation in sericulture-related activities by promoting modern techniques, best practices and innovative methods for enhancing silkworm seed production and improving cocoon quality.
Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the event. The Mela witnessed an overwhelming response, with the participation of around 500 silkworm rearers and youth from all districts of Jammu. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of progressive silkworm rearers, the Director felicitated them with mementos, certificates, and toolkits, appreciating their dedication to the sericulture sector.
The event featured informative stalls set up by the Sericulture Development Department J&K and CSB-RSRS, Miran Sahib, Jammu showcasing various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), UT-level schemes, and an array of silk and mulberry-based products. These stalls served as an essential resource for stakeholders, offering insights into sericulture-based livelihood opportunities, technological advancements, and government initiatives supporting the sector. The Director highlighted the importance of various HADP schemes, which focus on upgrading basic infrastructure at both the farmer and departmental levels, thereby boosting silk production in J&K and working towards self-sufficiency in silkworm seed production.
While addressing the gathering, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, assured the full support of the department in providing technical guidance, training, and skill development in sericulture-related activities such as silkworm rearing, reeling, and weaving. Besides, during the event Mr.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBhat while addressing the gathering of silkworm rearers, Farmers, Youth and Women Folk made them aware about the facilities the Department of Sericulture is providing to the beneficiaries which include silkworm rearing kits, sheds, equipment, disinfectants, technical expertise, etc. He also assured them that the Silkworm Rearers will avail KCC Loan in future as well.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sardar Singh, Director, Central Sericulture Research & Training Institute (CSR&TI), CSB, Pampore, underscored the various benefits available to the people of J&K through their collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department and CSR&TI, Pampore. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to capacity building, skill up-gradation for silkworm rearers, farmers, and youth, besides, aiming to produce improved varieties of Mulberry Plants and Silkworm Seed for significant increase in the production of Silkworm Seed, Silk Cocoons and making the mulberry foliage readily available in J&K.
Furthermore, Dr. Santoshkumar Magadum, Scientist-D & Head, CSB-RSRS, Miran Sahib, provided valuable insights on sericulture initiatives and technical advancements being introduced for the benefit of stakeholders in J&K.
The Resham Krishi Mela successfully brought together stakeholders from across J&K, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the sericulture sector and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for silkworm rearers and entrepreneurs. The event marked a significant step toward revitalizing sericulture in J&K, ensuring that modern advancements reach farmers and artisans, thereby boosting silk production with special emphasis and focus on producing best quality Cocoons.
Director Central Sericulture Research & Training Institute, CSB, Pampore, Scientist-D & Head, CSB-RSRS, Miran Sahib, Development Officer, ISDP, Rajouri, District Sericulture Officer, Rajouri and officers from Sericulture Dev. Department and Central Silk Board were present and expressed their views on the occasion.(KNS)