Srinagar, February, 09 (KNS): The 3rd batch of the five-day Inter-State Training Programme of silkworm rearers/farmers of Kashmir Division has left for Himachal Pradesh under the able guidance of Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K. The exposure-cum-training programme is being organized under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) with the objective of strengthening capacity building, skill up-gradation and adoption of modern sericulture practices among silkworm rearers.

The silkworm rearers started their journey from the Directorate of Sericulture Dev. Department J&K, Complex, Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, in the presence of senior officers of the Sericulture Development Department. A group of progressive silkworm rearers/farmers drawn from different districts of the Kashmir Division is participating in the programme.

The training programme aims to provide first-hand exposure to the participating farmers on advanced and scientific sericulture practices, including improved silkworm rearing techniques, disease management, mulberry cultivation, quality cocoon production and post-cocoon activities being successfully practiced in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative is expected to enhance productivity, improve income levels and promote sustainable sericulture practices in Jammu & Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

On the occasion Bhat, emphasized that such exposure visits are a crucial component of HADP in order to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern technological interventions. He stressed upon the participating silkworm rearers that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training must be practically applied in silkworm rearing activities for tangible improvement in cocoon quality and overall production.

The Director further urged the farmers to disseminate and share their knowledge and experiences with fellow rearers, thereby ensuring wider awareness of best practices at the grassroots level. He reiterated the commitment of the Sericulture Development Department to continuously support farmers through training, technical guidance and welfare-oriented schemes under HADP.

The farmers expressed gratitude to the Sericulture Development Department for providing them the opportunity to participate in the inter-state training programme and expressed hope that these exposure visits would help them adopt innovative practices to improve their livelihoods.(KNS)