Experts from six countries discuss productivity, silk quality, market access and farmers’ returns
Srinagar, October 13: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is preparing a policy roadmap for the revival of Jammu and Kashmir’s silk industry, following a brainstorming session involving experts from India and six countries.
The session, organised by SKUAST-K’s College of Temperate Sericulture on the sidelines of the J&K Agriculture Science Congress 2026, focused on addressing challenges affecting the sector and improving productivity, silk quality, market access and returns for sericulture farmers.
Experts from Uganda, Vietnam, Thailand, Romania, Japan and Turkey participated alongside representatives of the Central Silk Board, the J&K Sericulture Development Department and other institutions.
The recommendations emerging from the discussions will be consolidated into a policy framework for submission to the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, who attended as chief guest, said the university had initiated the exercise to bring national and international expertise together to develop a roadmap for the sector’s revival.
He emphasised coordinated action, scientific research and the adoption of modern technologies to improve farmers’ returns, generate rural employment and encourage silk-based entrepreneurship.
The deliberations covered mulberry cultivation, silkworm seed quality, modern rearing practices, cocoon productivity, silk quality, market linkages and value addition.
Participants also stressed the need to strengthen extension services, integrate traditional knowledge with modern technologies and expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the silk value chain.
The proposed policy framework will focus on production and marketing constraints, strengthening the silk value chain and improving the livelihoods of sericulture farmers.
The session was chaired by Prof. Afifa Shaheen Kamili, former Director of Extension at SKUAST-K, with Prof. M. R. Mir, Associate Dean of the College of Temperate Sericulture, serving as co-chairperson.
The technical sessions were moderated by Prof. I. L. Khan, Prof. K. A. Dar and Dr. Aabid Khaliq Tantray. Prof. Sajad Ahmad Baba and Dr. Parvaiz Nabi Reshi served as rapporteurs, while Prof. Khursheed Ahmad Dar was the organising secretary.
