Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan programme held at Lolab

Kupwara, Sep 1: An awareness programme titled “Host Plant Culture Practices and Management” under the Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan National Campaign of the Central Silk Board was Monday organised at Lolab Chandigam in Kupwara district.

The event was organised in association with the Sericulture Department of J&K with an aim of promoting sericulture and educating farmers about scientific practices in silk farming.

The programme laid special focus on the cultivation and management of mulberry, the primary host plant for silkworms, as the health of these plants directly determines the quality and quantity of silk produced.

At the occasion, the experts explained that proper host plant management through scientific pruning, timely manuring, irrigation, soil management, and pest/disease control is the backbone of successful sericulture.

They emphasised that by adopting these practices, farmers can ensure year round availability of nutritious mulberry leaves, which will ultimately improve both productivity and profitability.

Scientist - D (Plant Breeding and Genetics) Dr. Pawan Saini was present at the occasion. In his address, he highlighted the economic and cultural significance of sericulture in Kashmir.

He assured participants that the department will provide farmers with comprehensive training, technical guidance, and necessary support to strengthen this important sector.

Also present were Sericulture Department Assistant Zone Lolab, Mohammad Younes Baba, and Sericulture Assistant Kupwara, Abdul Rashid Malik, who briefed participants on departmental schemes, including subsidized supply of mulberry saplings and silkworm seed, skill development and training programs, aid for rearing houses, and awareness on modern rearing techniques.

Farmers from different villages actively participated and raised issues regarding timely seed supply, marketing facilities, and infrastructure support.

Officials assured the farmers that their concerns would be addressed on priority and emphasized the department’s commitment to empower the farming community through sericulture. The programme concluded with farmers expressing optimism that such initiatives will not only generate sustainable income but also help revive the lost glory of Kashmir’s silk industry.