SRINAGAR: A high-level review and monitoring meeting on the development of the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir was held at Central Silk Board Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, with officials formulating a joint strategy to achieve a target of 225 metric tonnes of raw silk production by 2030-31.
The meeting was chaired by Ajaz Ahmad Bhat and attended by N. Sakthivel, scientists and senior officials of the Sericulture Development Department.
Discussions centred on measures required to boost silk production in the Union Territory, including preparedness for upcoming silkworm rearing seasons, disease monitoring, crop surveillance and strengthening of training and extension programmes for 2026-27.
Officials also reviewed plans for synchronized brushing schedules, expansion of sericulture activities into new areas and adoption of region-specific scientific practices aimed at improving productivity.
The meeting emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders, greater use of modern technologies and stronger collaboration between research institutions and field agencies to enhance bivoltine silk production and improve rural livelihoods.
Participants stressed that achieving the 2030-31 production target would require sustained interventions in scientific sericulture practices, capacity building of farmers and expansion of quality silkworm rearing across the Union Territory.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work jointly towards the sustainable growth and long-term development of the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.