A 5-day farmers skill training programme started at Sericulture Farm Aytmulla in Bandipora, here today.The training programme is being organized by the Department of Sericulture.Deputy Director Sericulture, Peerzada Khursheed Ahmad inaugurated the training programme.Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Director said that the training programme aims at imparting knowledge about latest technology on sericulture and providing technical know-how to the participants for better cocoon production and creating awareness about the current programmes and schemes of the government.He said that silkworm rearing activities were directly related to socio-economic upliftment of cross sections of people especially the weaker and downtrodden. He said concerted efforts are being made to give impetus to the sericulture activities in the district with the aim of enhancing the livelihood opportunities and guaranteeing high returns to the people associated with this sector.He impressed upon the participants to avail the benefit of the programme and interact with the experts to avail maximum benefit from the training programme.On the occasion, resource person, Dr Irfan Illahi from Central Silk Board Mansbal said that during the 5-days programme farmers will be acquainted with latest practices in the field. He said the participating farmers will also be taken out for a field visit to Central Silk Board Mansbal.