Bengaluru, January, 04 (KNS): A high-level delegation of senior officers of the Sericulture Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director General, Sericulture J&K, attended the two days Directors’ Conference of Sericulture Practicing States and Union Territories held at Bengaluru.

The conference witnessed participation of senior officers from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, representatives of the Central Silk Board (CSB), and officers from various State Governments and Union Territories. The deliberations were aimed at evolving comprehensive strategies for the sustainable, inclusive, and market-oriented growth of India’s silk sector. The conference was chaired by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles), Government of India.

Extensive technical and policy-oriented sessions were conducted focusing on integrated, technology driven, and market linked approaches to strengthen the sericulture value chain. Emphasis was laid on quality assurance, branding, innovation, and enhancement of farmers’ income with a special focus on ensuring that the benefits of development initiatives reach the grassroots level, particularly poor, marginal and disadvantaged farmers.

A major highlight of the conference was the launch of new knowledge-centric publications aimed at empowering stakeholders in the sericulture sector. These included the Sericulture Magazine from Jammu & Kashmir and a Coffee Table Book, which were released in the presence of Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director General, Sericulture J&K, reflecting the progressive outreach and documentation efforts of the Department.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhat, presented an overview of the sericulture sector in Jammu & Kashmir and highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the Department to disseminate authentic and useful information to silkworm rearers, farmers and departmental functionaries. He reiterated the Department’s commitment towards building a robust, modern, and farmer-centric silk value chain through capacity building, technological adoption, and effective extension services.

In his address, Mr. P. Sivakumar, IFS, Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, expressed full support for the promotion and sustainable growth of the sericulture industry across the country, with particular emphasis on strengthening bivoltine sericulture to improve both quality and productivity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Addressing the delegates, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles), Government of India, stressed the critical importance of value addition, innovation, and diversification in the sericulture sector. She advised all Sericulture Departments to undertake cadre reviews in view of present and emerging requirements. Referring to Fibroheal Woundcare Pvt. Ltd. as a living example of the medical use of silk by products by a private player, she termed it a significant contribution towards societal welfare. She further informed that an amount of ?100 crore is proposed to be earmarked for sericulture start- ups in the coming years. It was also shared that the Central Silk Board is formulating a robust, year-wise calendar of activities in consultation with all Directors of Sericulture across the country and various committees will be constituted to review sectoral requirements and issue training calendars aligned with departmental needs.

On the sidelines of the conference, dignitaries were exposed to various best sericulture practices and cutting-edge technological interventions showcased by leading government and private sector units, with the objective of disseminating proven technologies across states and UTs.

The speakers collectively emphasized the need to strengthen silk testing facilities, ensure quality feed for silkworm seed production, establish effective disease control mechanisms, improve availability of cocoon cutting machines, and address human resource requirements. Focus was also laid on coherent outsourcing policies, cadre management, and targeted capacity building of manpower to enable effective farmer training and enhanced productivity.

The conference further highlighted the importance of conducting focused outreach programmes such as Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Mera Resham, Mera Abhiman. Greater emphasis was laid on adoption of modern technologies, scientific nurturing practices, targeted interventions, and exposure visits to facilitate learning, innovation and overall growth of the sericulture sector across the country.(KNS)