Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura while on tour to Karnataka State to have an insight and first hand information of the Silk Industry in Karnataka met Chairman and other officers of Central Silk Board and discussed various important issues pertaining to Sericulture and Silk Industry of Jammu and Kashmir.It was decided that in addition to the promotion and development of Pre-cocoon Sector emphasis will be laid on Post Cocoon Sector for value addition and employment generation. It was proposed that in addition to multiend reeling Units, possibilities of establishment of automatic reeling machines will be explored. This initiative will help the State to produce Silk yarn of International quality and will in turn strengthen the weaving sector and export of silk fabric and garments.
Chairman Central Silk Board agreed to continue the support to the State to develop Silk Industry on modern lines.
The Minister also visited Central Silk Technological Research Institute at Bengaluru and Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Mysore and discussed various issues of R&D in Silk Industry.Central Silk Board agreed to provide technology and financial support to the State to promote the Silk Industry.The Minister was accompanied by Director Sericulture Dr Malik Farooq and Joint Secretary (Tech.) Regional Office, Central Silk Board, New Delhi Dr R.D. Singh.
It is pertinent to mention that Jammu and Kashmir has very congenial climate for cocoon production. Due to the concerted efforts of Sericulture Development Department and Central Silk Board, Sericulture has become attractive and profitable in the State.