Ganderbal, Apr 22: Department of Zoology, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with P4 Basic Seed Farm, Manasbal, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organized a workshop on “Seri-Eco-Tourism and other Seri-Business opportunities,” in the valley.

The workshop was attended by faculty members and students of the Zoology Department. In his welcome address, Dr. Rajesh, Scientist-D and officer In-charge at the research station of Central Silk Board. gave an in-depth outline about the role of the Sericulture industry at national and local level. He cited various examples of successful entrepreneurs viz-a-viz Sericulture from Kashmir, to bring the audience closer to the circles of sericulture industry.
In his presidential address, Dr. Mohammad Lateef, HoD Zoology, CUKashmir emphasized the need of inculcating various skill-based activities for securing the future of new generations. He said the outreach and training activities are very important, as highlighted by NEP-2020 and these steps were necessary in the evolution of the new challenges.
The participants also discussed the role of the sericulture industry in manufacturing various by-products from the waste material of the industry. Various schemes and their role in setting up sericulture rearing centres at local level was also highlighted during the event. The participants also visited the nursery and rearing rooms of the P4 Basic Seed Farm to gain first-hand information regarding the silkworm rearing techniques.
Faculty members from the department and other staff from P4 Basic Seed Farm were present during the programme. Dr. Hameem Mushtaq conducted the proceedings of the workshop.