Srinagar , Dec 23 (KNS) : On the eve of National Farmers Day which is being celebrated across India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudary Charan Singh, 5th Prime Minister of India, an impressive and well-attended programme was jointly organised today by the Central Silk Board (CSB) and the Department of Sericulture Development, Jammu & Kashmir at the Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute (CSTR&I), Pampore.

The programme witnessed the participation of senior dignitaries from both the organisations, officers, silkworm rearers, farmers and other key stakeholders associated with the sericulture sector Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K, addressed the gathering and highlighted the sustained efforts being undertaken to revitalise and strengthen sericulture activities across the Union Territory.

During his address, the Director presented a comprehensive review of the various sericulture programmes currently in vogue and urged silkworm rearers and farmers to optimally leverage the benefits of the schemes and facilities being provided by the Department of Sericulture and the Central Silk Board.

He emphasised that special focus has been laid on capacity building, awareness generation and skill upgradation through structured training programmes and skill development courses to ensure scientific and sustainable sericulture practices.

Bhat further stated that the Department is making concerted efforts to expand the base of silkworm rearers and farmers in both Kashmir and Jammu Divisions with the objective of achieving bumper cocoon crops of superior quality and bridging gaps in the execution of rearing activities. He underscored that strengthening grassroots participation remains central to the Department’s strategy for growth of the sericulture sector.

Expressing his gratitude, the Director acknowledged the unflinching support and generous financial assistance extended by the Central Silk Board, particularly appreciating P. Sivakumar, IFS, Chief Executive Officer & Member Secretary, CSB, and Dr.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelNaresh Babu N., IFS, Joint Secretary (Tech.), CSB, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Bengaluru. He informed that during the current financial year, the Central Silk Board has sanctioned funds amounting to ? 7.28 crore under the Silk Samagra-2 for the last quarter, including provision for 366 silkworm rearing sheds for marginal silkworm rearers, besides allocations for capacity building, field plantation and allied programmes.

Bhat also disclosed that during the ongoing plantation season, the Department has fixed an ambitious target of conducting an extensive plantation drive of 3.33 lakh mulberry plants across J&K. Additionally, as part of exposure and training initiatives, 25 farmers from each Division are scheduled to visit other States to gain hands-on and practical training in contemporary scientific sericulture practices, aimed at enhancing cocoon production and improving income levels.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the Director, Sericulture J&K, felicitated progressive silkworm rearers by presenting mementos as a token of appreciation, stating that such recognition would motivate other farmers and stakeholders to work with renewed dedication towards boosting silk cocoon production with best quality standards.

In his concluding remarks, Sardar Singh, Director, CSR&TI, CSB Pampore, highlighted that the strong synergy and close coordination between the Department of Sericulture J&K and the Central Silk Board has significantly strengthened training, capacity building and extension services.

He expressed confidence that these collaborative efforts will go a long way in achieving targeted cocoon production, enhancing incomes of silkworm rearers and marginal farmers, and generating employment opportunities for youth, women and tribal communities in Jammu & Kashmir.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all dignitaries, officers, silkworm rearers and participants for their valuable presence and contributions.(KNS)