Over 400 Sericulture Farmers Participate at Resham Krishi Mela in Pampore

Bilal Habib

Pampore, March 15: In a remarkable display of resilience despite heavy snowfall and heavy rain, over 400 Sericulture farmers from Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag participated in the Resham Krishi Mela held at Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute Pampore on Saturday.

The event, organized by the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Central Silk Board, Pampore, in collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department (SDD), J&K, brought together experts and farmers with the shared goal of empowering and supporting the sericulture industry in the region.

The Mela was inaugurated by Ajaz Ah Bhat, Director, SDD J&K, and presided over by Dr. Sardar Singh, Director, CSR&TI, Pampore. Distinguished dignitaries present included Prof. K.A. Sahaf, Associate Dean of CoTS, Mirgund; Ghulam Nabhi Mir, Joint Director; and Dasharathi Behera, Deputy Secretary, RO, New Delhi.

The event featured an insightful exhibition where the dignitaries and attendees viewed posters representing ongoing research and development (R&D) activities at CSR&TI, Pampore. The exhibition showcased key advancements, including the status of mulberry varieties developed through conventional breeding, mutational breeding, and somatic hybridization.

Visitors were also introduced to recently evolved, region-specific silkworm hybrids, such as double hybrid, single high-yielding hybrids, nutri-genetic hybrids, and autumn-season-specific hybrids. Additionally, information on germplasm silkworm races and mulberry varieties was displayed, along with various R&D activities in the post-cocoon sector, officials told Kashmir Convener.

Addressing the farmers, the dignitaries highlighted crucial aspects of sericulture farming, including the government schemes available for farmers, preparatory steps for the upcoming spring crop, the importance of proper disinfection, and the necessity of maintaining healthy mulberry plantations. The need for a thriving post-cocoon sector was also emphasized as a significant avenue for further growth in the sericulture industry.

The event served as an invaluable platform for farmers to interact directly with experts, exchange ideas, and gain knowledge to improve their practices, thereby enhancing both productivity and sustainability in sericulture farming.

The Resham Krishi Mela concluded on a note of optimism, reaffirming the commitment of CSR&TI, Central Silk Board, Pampore, and SDD J&K to support the growth and development of the sericulture sector in the region.