Kashmir: Experts from 6 countries meet to discuss Silk Industry revival

Relevance: Urgent 

Slug : JK Silk Industry

Marking: Final Lead

Category: Agriculture   

Kashmir: Experts from 6 countries meet to discuss Silk Industry revival 

Srinagar, Oct 13: Experts from six countries including Uganda, Vietnam, Thailand, Romania, Japan and Turkey have joined a pioneering initiative by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) to develop a comprehensive policy roadmap for reviving Jammu and Kashmir’s silk industry.

The first-of-its-kind brainstorming session was organised by the College of Temperate Sericulture on the sidelines of the J&K Agriculture Science Congress 2026. The deliberations focused on addressing key challenges facing the sector, improving productivity and silk quality, strengthening market access and enhancing returns for sericulture farmers.

The session brought together international experts alongside representatives of the Central Silk Board, J&K Sericulture Development Department and other institutions to explore strategies for strengthening the region’s silk value chain.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, was the chief guest. The session was chaired by Prof. Afifa Shaheen Kamili, former Director Extension, SKUAST-K, while Prof. M.R. Mir, Associate Dean, College of Temperate Sericulture, served as co-chairperson.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Ganie said the university had initiated the exercise to bring national and international expertise together to formulate a comprehensive policy roadmap for reviving the silk sector. He emphasised coordinated efforts, scientific research and the adoption of modern technologies to enhance farmers’ income, generate rural employment and promote silk-based entrepreneurship.

The technical deliberations covered key aspects of the silk value chain, including mulberry cultivation, silkworm seed quality, modern rearing practices, cocoon productivity, silk quality, market linkages and value addition.

Experts stressed the need to strengthen extension services, integrate traditional knowledge with modern technologies and create greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the sericulture sector.

The recommendations emerging from the session will be consolidated into a policy framework for submission to the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The proposed framework will focus on addressing production and marketing constraints, strengthening the silk value chain and improving the livelihoods of sericulture farmers.

Photo: SKUAST-K Holds First-of-Its-Kind Brainstorming Session to Revive J&K Silk Industry

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Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)