With the purpose to inculcate know-how of latest practices in the field of Sericulture among the farmers, a day-long Resham Krishi Mela was today organized at Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Pampore.Inaugurating the mela, Secretary Agriculture Production, Manzoor Ahmad Lone, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that such programmes are of great significance and help in generating awareness among the farmers.He said that around 27000 people are involved with Sericulture practices in Jammu and Kashmir. He further said that the Sericulture, being a rural agro-based industry, having employment potential, needs to be strengthened and various steps are afoot towards the same.He said that various schemes will be formulated for improving the socio-economic conditions of the farmers so that their overall income and silk production gets increased.Secretary, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Bangaluru, Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar who was the guest of honour, extended full support on behalf of the Board for the upliftment of the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.Okhandiar highlighted the steps being taken by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India for development of the industry. He said Central Silk Board is leaving no stone unturned to increase the production of cocoon yield, thus increasing the income of people associated with this trade.
Director, Sericulture Development Department, J&K, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri gave a brief account of the works being carried out by the Department for the development of the Sericulture sector.Director, Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Pampore highlighted the scientific research being carried out by the Institute.Joint Director, Horticulture Department, Mohalli, Punjab, Gulab Singh Gill, District Sericulture Officers, concerned officers and a sizable number of farmers from various districts of Kashmir attended the Mela.On the occasion, farmers interacted with the Sericulture Authorities and informed them about the issues and problems faced by them including lack of proper infrastructure, transportation and marketing which, if resolved, can help the farmers in generation of better income. The authorities assured to look into the matter and resolve their issues at an earliest.On the occasion, two booklets 'Handbook on post cocoon technology' and Sericulture technology in Hindi were released, to generate further awareness about Sericulture practices.Various stalls were setup to provide information to the farmers. The silk made products were also displayed in the exhibition.