Srinagar, May 20: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, under SKUAST-Kashmir, launched a three-day Skill Development Training Programme on Scientific Silkworm Rearing Technology—from Seed to Reeling at the Basic Silkworm Seed Production Unit, New Theed Harwan.
Organised in collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department, Srinagar, and with technical support from the College of Temperate Sericulture (CoTS) Mirgund, SKUAST-K, the training is aimed at equipping local silkworm growers and extension functionaries with hands-on skills in seed production, scientific worm management, foraging techniques, and cocoon processing.
The programme has been strategically scheduled ahead of the rearing season to ensure participants—mostly practising rearers and budding entrepreneurs, are well-prepared with modern and scientific approaches to enhance productivity and profitability.
On the first day, Dr Lateef L. Khan, an expert from CoTS Mirgund, delivered a detailed technical session. He discussed scientific methodologies to manage protozoan, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that commonly affect silkworms during the larval stage. He also shared practical strategies for establishing commercially viable silkworm enterprises.
Addressing the gathering, S.A. Simnani, Head of KVK Srinagar, emphasised silkworm rearing as a sustainable agri-business with low investment and quick returns. He urged participants to enrol under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) of J&K to take full advantage of government support and subsidies.
More than 50 commercial silkworm growers participated in the programme, which was also attended by KVK scientists, officers, and extension officials from various development departments, along with local panchayat representatives.
Javied A. Mir, Sericulture Development Assistant, highlighted challenges in seed production and the horizontal expansion of the sector. He also outlined steps being taken by the department to address these issues through a holistic and inclusive approach.
The training aims to modernise the sericulture sector in the region, making it more scientific, scalable, and economically rewarding for rural entrepreneurs.
