Sericulture weaving economic prosperity in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 21: In the heart of the Kashmir Valley, a region once synonymous with conflict and turbulence, a quiet but powerful transformation is unfolding.
Moving away from the shadows of militancy, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are embracing a new path to economic prosperity through the age-old practice of Cocoon Farming.
At the forefront of this transformation is the Sericulture Development Department J&K, led by Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K who is committed to infuse a renewed sense of hope among the young entrepreneurs in the region and guiding them towards a brighter and more stable future.
Sericulture, the practice of silkworm rearing, has long been a part of Kashmir’s cultural and economic heritage. Today, it is being revitalized to uplift the economic and social status of the downtrodden and marginalized communities.
The Department is actively working to create sustainable livelihoods for the people of J&K through a variety of initiatives, including Silkworm Rearing, Mulberry Plantation, Silk Reeling, and Silk Weaving, etc. being facilitated by the department under various schemes like Silk SAMAGRA, HADP, and CSS. These programs offer support for constructing rearing sheds, distributing rearing kits, spraying of disinfectants, and providing capacity-building opportunities for Silkworm Rearers, farmers, youth, and women.
One such success story has been reverberating about Ruqaya Jan, a 21-year-old entrepreneur from Lalpora Tral, a village that was once the epicentre of militancy in South Kashmir. In a region where the spectre of violence loomed large, Ruqaya chose a different path of peace, prosperity, and progress. With the support of the Sericulture Department, she set up a silkworm rearing unit in her village. Today, her unit produces 70 to 80 kilograms of cocoons annually, earning her between ₹90,000 and ₹1,00,000.
In her spacious, newly constructed shed, Ruqaya meticulously tends to her silkworms, feeding them fresh mulberry leaves. Her deep connection with these delicate creatures is evident as she speaks of the rearing process with affection and pride. “Ever since I set up this unit, I have been in love with these diminutive creatures,” she says with a smile. The economic benefits, she notes, come quickly, with the rearing process taking place twice a year, in May-June and again in July-August.
Ruqaya’s journey reached a significant milestone when she stood confidently at the Shalimar Convention Centre at SKUAST-K to share her story with an audience of peers and dignitaries. Her words were met with enthusiastic applause, highlighting the profound impact of her work and the potential for her venture to grow even further. Her success is not just a personal victory; it serves as a beacon of hope for others, particularly women, in the region to explore the opportunities that sericulture offers.
Under the dynamic leadership and able guidance of Bhat, the Sericulture Development Department J&K is committed to transforming the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
By moving beyond traditional approaches and reaching out to all sections of society, the department is creating dignified and sustainable employment opportunities.
With continued support and innovation, the Sericulture industry in J&K is poised to reclaim its past glory and become a vibrant sector that attracts young entrepreneurs like Ruqaya Jan, who are eager to shape a new future for the region for growth, opportunity, and peace.