Punjab’s Horticulture Department is poised to rejuvenate silk production in the state, following a pivotal meeting led by the state Horticulture Director Shailender Kaur. The special Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) meeting, held to advance the state’s sericulture sector, brought together key figures from the Sericulture Wing, Silk Belt, and Central Silk Board.
Under the guidance of Punjab Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra, the meeting aimed to advance the vision of boosting silk production in the Kandi region, introducing the Punjab Silk Brand, and expanding farmer engagement in sericulture. The initiative focuses on enhancing silk production, particularly among small farmers and women in the Kandi area, who are integral to this industry.
Kaur reviewed current facilities and support provided to silk farmers under various schemes, emphasizing the need for effective implementation and new strategies to foster sericulture’s growth. The discussion also involved a comprehensive review of existing programs and the exploration of new opportunities to stimulate the sector’s development.
The meeting featured contributions from Central Silk Board officials, including Dr Santosh, Scientist-D, RSRS Jammu; Anil Kumar Manna, Assistant Secretary, Central Silk Board, New Delhi; and Alok Singh, Scientist-B, RSRS Jammu. They praised the high-quality silk produced in Punjab and pledged continued support through central schemes, including technical and financial aid for mulberry plantation, rearing house construction, provision of equipment, and training for silk producers.
The collaboration between the Punjab government and the Central Silk Board aims to uplift the socio-economic status of sericulturists and transform Punjab into a key player in the silk industry.