Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar Tuesday kick-started a three-day skill development training programme on silkworm rearing technology (seed production to reeling) at the Basic Silkworm Seed Production Unit, New Theed Harwan, to equip the silkworm rearing growers of the area and extension functionaries of district Srinagar with hands-on training in seed production, mode of worm transfer and transportation, their scientific foraging, and subsequent cocoon production.
The skill training is being organised by KVK Srinagar in collaboration with the Sericulture development department Srinagar and with technical support from CoTS Mirgund, SKUAST-Kashmir.
The programme is being conducted well before the onset of the rearing season to benefit practising rearers, entrepreneurs by upgrading their skills with various scientific techniques to make rearing a more remunerative venture.
Day one’s technical session was conducted by Dr Lateef L. Khan, expert resource person from CoTS Mirgund, who deliberated on a range of scientific methodologies, including the management of frequently occurring protozoan, bacterial, viral and fungal diseases during the rearing season that infest the larval stage in particular, as well as techniques for establishing a successful and commercially viable silkworm enterprise.
On the occasion, S. A. Simnani, Head of KVK, underlined the importance of silkworm rearing as a sustainable agri-business venture requiring minimal initial investment over a short period of time. He also motivated the participants to enrol under the HADP programme of J&K to reap its benefits.
The programme witnessed the participation of more than 50 commercial silkworm growers and was attended by KVK scientists, officers and extension functionaries from development departments, besides the village head and panchs. Javied A. Mir (Sericulture Development Assistant) gave an insight into the issues in production and horizontal expansion of the sector and the remedial measures being taken by the department to address the issues through a holistic approach.
