Pampore, March 15 : Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director Sericulture J&K, today inaugurated the one day Resham Krishi Mela (Kissan Mela) at the Central Sericulture Research & Training Institute (CSR&TI), Pampore.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation about 500 silkworm rearers and youth from all districts of Kashmir which reflects the growing interest in sericulture as a sustainable livelihood option.
The Resham Krishi Mela was jointly organized by the Sericulture Development Department J&K and CSR&TI Pampore to celebrate the achievements of the sericulture community and to encourage broader participation in sericulture-related activities. The event aimed at promoting modern techniques, best practices, and innovative methods to enhance silkworm seed production and cocoon quality.
On the occasion, Mr. Bhat felicitated silkworm rearers with mementos, certificates, and toolkits as a token of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the sector. He highlighted that the primary objective of the event is to create awareness and provide capacity-building opportunities for silkworm rearers, farmers, and youth.
He emphasized that sericulture offers a dignified and profitable means of livelihood, particularly for rural communities, and urged more people to take advantage of the department’s schemes and initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bhat stressed the need for the establishment of more Silk Reeling Units in J&K, which would not only boost the local economy but also ensure the utilization of raw silk within the region for cost-effective manufacturing of finished silk products. He also encouraged the youth to explore the vast potential of sericulture and leverage the benefits of government schemes to generate employment and improve their standard of living.
Dr. Sardar Singh, Director CSR&TI Pampore, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the various schemes and benefits available to the people of J&K through collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department J&K and CSR&TI Pampore. He assured full cooperation in capacity-building programs, skill development initiatives and the introduction of the latest innovations, techniques and research in sericulture.
During the event, several silkworm rearers and farmers shared their success stories, illustrating how the department’s support has transformed their livelihoods. They urged unemployed youth to explore sericulture as a viable and rewarding career.
Mr. Bhat also expressed his happiness over the continuous good spell of rainfall and snowfall at many places in J&K which will significantly augment the water reserves for irrigation in Mulberry Farms and Nurseries across J&K, besides, improve the quality of Mulberry foliage for ensuing silkworm Rearing.
The event was attended by Director CSR&TI Pampore, Joint Secretary (Tech), Central Silk Board, MoT, GoI, New Delhi, Additional Director Sericulture Dev. Department Kashmir, Prof. & Dean TSRI-SKUAST-K Mirgund, Project Executive Officer Srinagar/Kashmir, District Sericulture Officers from various districts, Manager Seed (BSSM), and other officers from the Sericulture Development Department and the Central Silk Board.
The Resham Krishi Mela served as a platform to strengthen the sericulture sector in J&K by fostering knowledge-sharing, skill enhancement, and promoting entrepreneurship among farmers and youth. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to furthering the growth and sustainability of the sericulture industry in the region.
