BANDIPORA, MAY 19: A three-day Farmers Skill Development Programme conducted under Capacity Building Activities (Silk Samagra-2/HADP), organized by the Sericulture Development Department ISDP Sonawari of District Bandipora, concluded successfully Tuesday at Mulberry Nursery Vijpara Hajin.
The programme, as per an official statement, witnessed enthusiastic participation from silkworm rearers and progressive farmers from different areas of Sonawari.
Speaking on the occasion, Development Officer Sericulture ISDP Sonawari, Dr. Inayat Saleem Fazili, highlighted the immense potential of sericulture as a low-investment, employment-generating and sustainable rural enterprise capable of transforming the socio-economic condition of farming communities. He emphasized that the favourable climatic conditions of the district, coupled with the active participation of women in sericulture activities, provide a strong foundation for the rapid growth and strengthening of the silk industry in the district.
During the programme, farmers were imparted practical and technical training on scientific silkworm rearing practices, chawki rearing management, disease prevention measures, mulberry plantation management and modern cocoon production techniques aimed at enhancing cocoon yield and improving farmers’ income. The programme mainly focused on creating awareness among farmers regarding sericulture as a profitable and sustainable alternative to traditional farming practices.
Technical sessions during the programme were conducted by various expert resource persons, including Zonal Incharge ISDP Sonawari, Peer Nazir Ahmad and other field functionaries of the department.
On the successful culmination of the programme, certificates, sericulture-related tool kits, informative booklets and other materials were distributed among 50 participating farmers for their encouragement and capacity enhancement.
The participants appreciated the department for organizing such a valuable and farmer-oriented programme aimed at strengthening the sericulture sector at the grassroots level.
