J&K Sericulture Push: Director chairs PMC Meet, clears 2025-26 Action Plan

Srinagar, Sep 6: The Directorate of Sericulture J&K on Friday approved the Action Plan for 2025–26 under the Silk Samagra–2 scheme, with a strong emphasis on timely fund utilisation, infrastructure strengthening, and boosting cocoon production.

The decision was taken at a Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) meeting chaired by Director Sericulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, at Tulsibagh Srinagar. The meeting, held in hybrid mode, reviewed physical and financial progress of various components under the Silk Samagra scheme for 2021–22, 2023–24, and 2024–25, and examined the status of Utilsation Certificates (UCs).

Officials said the Action Plan for 2025–26 includes targeted interventions such as enhancing silkworm seed production, improving cocoon productivity, expanding mulberry plantations, capacity building of farmers, and upgrading technology to modernize the sector.

“The Silk Samagra scheme has the potential to transform rural livelihoods and make J&K’s sericulture sector resilient, market-driven and globally competitive. Timely submission of Utilization Certificates is crucial for seamless implementation and sustained support from the Central Silk Board,” Director Ajaz Ahmad Bhat said.

The meeting also stressed the importance of real-time monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement to ensure that benefits of the scheme reach grassroots farmers. Participants pledged to work collectively on a comprehensive roadmap for Silk Samagra–2, with clear milestones and accountability mechanisms.

The session was attended by Directors of CSR&TI, Central Silk Board officials from Pampore and Bengaluru, besides senior officers and scientists from the Sericulture Development Department.