Dir Sericulture attends 142nd Central Silk Board meeting in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 10: Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat participated in the 142nd Board Meeting of the Central Silk Board (CSB), held in Bengaluru under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Silk) & Vice Chairperson, CSB, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Prajakta L. Verma.

P Sivakumar, Member Secretary, CSB, presented the Board's significant achievements and ongoing projects aimed at strengthening the sericulture sector across India. Dr Naresh Babu N, Joint Secretary (Tech), Central Silk Board, presented key agenda items for deliberation.

Bhat emphasized the need for robust marketing support for silk cocoon auction and sales, highlighting how such initiatives could benefit marginal and landless farmers by encouraging them to adopt sericulture as a sustainable livelihood.

He called for collective efforts to boost cocoon production in Jammu & Kashmir, citing the region's immense potential.

The Director thanked the Central Silk Board for its consistent support to J&K's sericulture industry through various schemes and budgetary allocations. He advocated for reviving the Silkworm Seed Station, Manasbal, which received in-principle approval from the Chairperson.

Verma highlighted the potential of promoting J&K's sericulture as a unique tourist attraction for domestic and international visitors. The discussion emphasized third-party evaluation mechanisms and convergence to enhance the sector's efficiency.

The meeting addressed youth and women empowerment through skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives to strengthen the industrial ecosystem and foster economic growth.

Bhat invited the Board to host its 143rd meeting in Kashmir to showcase the region's rich sericulture heritage, diversity, and potential.

Senior officials and stakeholders from across the country attended the meeting, demonstrating their commitment to the growth and sustainability of India's silk industry.