Member Secretary CSB inaugurates cocoon auction market, ‘Mera Resham Mera Abhiman’ in Anantnag

Anantnag, Sep 1: P. Sivakumar, CEO and member secretary of the Central Silk Board (CSB) on Monday inaugurated the Cocoon Auction Market at Sarnal, Anantnag, along with Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, director of sericulture in Jammu and Kashmir.

The event drew officers, scientists from the Department of Sericulture and CSR&TI Pampore, and a large gathering of silkworm rearers, farmers and cocoon buyers from across the Union Territory and beyond.

In his address, Bhat thanked the CSB for its collaboration with the J&K Sericulture Department and said the market and the “Mera Resham Mera Abhiman” program would benefit thousands of farmers and other stakeholders.

Marking another milestone for the industry, Sivakumar also launched the “Mera Resham Mera Abhiman” initiative in Anantnag. The program aims to promote and brand J&K’s silk, expanding its presence in national and international markets.

“J&K’s sericulture legacy is renowned for its finesse and tradition,” Sivakumar said. “Through this initiative, we aim to empower local farmers and entrepreneurs, improve product quality and open new avenues for growth and prosperity. This is not merely an economic initiative; it is a celebration of our heritage and a step toward sustainable livelihoods.”

Dr. Sardar Singh, director of CSR&TI Pampore, said the initiatives mark the beginning of a new chapter for J&K’s silk industry, ushering in an era of prosperity, sustainability and higher rural incomes that will contribute to the region’s economic growth.