As part of the ongoing Skill Development Programme, Director Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, flagged off 35 progressive sericulture farmers for a four-day Inter-State Farmers Training Programme to Himachal Pradesh under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – ATMA (2025-26).

The initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and promote sustainable sericulture practices across Jammu & Kashmir. Participants, representing all districts of the Kashmir Division, will visit reputed research and sericulture institutions, including the Agriculture University, IVRI, State Sericulture Department’s Grainage in Palampur, Central Silk Board, and Post-Cocoon Reeling Units at Nadaun and Ghumarwin.
The programme provides hands-on training in pre-cocoon and post-cocoon technologies, enabling farmers to adopt advanced practices suited to local conditions. Interactions with experts aim to enhance silk quality and productivity in J&K.
Director Bhat highlighted the department’s commitment to continuous skill upgradation, exposure visits, and training under the ATMA scheme. He also mentioned plans to introduce Seri-Tourism in J&K, with arrangements underway to attract tourists to the Seed Station Manasbal.
The department reiterated its mission to develop a sustainable and profitable sericulture sector, keeping farmers at the forefront of innovation and best practices in the Union Territory.