03/10/2026
Sericulture Department Holds One-Day Awareness Programme at Dessu, Kokernag
Kokernag October 3: The Department of Sericulture, Jammu and Kashmir, today organised a one-day awareness-cum-demonstration programme at Dessu, Kokernag, aimed at sensitising farmers about sericulture, silk production and the livelihood opportunities associated with the sector.
The programme was held under the guidance of Additional Director Sericulture Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Mir, who was accompanied by the Assistant Sericulture Officer, Kokernag, and other officials of the Sericulture Department.
A large number of farmers participated in the programme. The department provided detailed awareness about scientific sericulture practices, silk production and the support available to farmers interested in taking up the activity as a source of livelihood.
During the programme, several farmers raised grievances and concerns related to sericulture and silk production. Additional Director Sericulture Ghulam Nabi Mir interacted with the farmers and addressed some of their grievances on the spot, while other issues were noted for appropriate redressal by the concerned department.
Speaking on the occasion, the Additional Director urged farmers to come forward and take greater advantage of the opportunities available in the sericulture sector. He said that the department is providing substantial assistance, including up to 80 percent support for equipment and other required inputs and facilities, to eligible farmers engaged in sericulture.
He also clarified that freshers and farmers who are not currently associated with sericulture can also enter the sector if they have an interest and the potential to take it up. The department's field-level workers and officials are available to guide new farmers step-by-step regarding the procedures, technical requirements and available assistance.
The officer particularly encouraged educated and unemployed youth to explore sericulture as a livelihood opportunity instead of remaining unemployed. He said that involvement in silk production can provide young people with an additional source of income while helping them develop skills and become professionally established in the sector.
The officials also highlighted the suitability of the Kokernag area for sericulture, stating that the region's topography and favourable natural environment provide good potential for silk production. Farmers already engaged in agriculture and horticulture were also encouraged to take up sericulture as an additional activity to diversify their income.
The Additional Director urged farmers to work with dedication and adopt proper practices in sericulture, describing silk production as a potential cash crop when undertaken scientifically and efficiently. He emphasised that with proper care, technical guidance and timely intervention, sericulture can contribute significantly towards increasing farmers' income and strengthening their economic condition.
The programme concluded with an appeal to farmers, particularly youth and those associated with agriculture and horticulture, to make use of the facilities and technical guidance being provided by the Sericulture Department and explore sericulture as a sustainable livelihood opportunity...
