Minister Mohinder Bhagat : Reeling and Cocoon Storage Units to be Set Up to Enhance Silk Production in Punjab
Minister Mohinder Bhagat : To strengthen sericulture and enhance silk production in Punjab, the state government will establish reeling and cocoon storage units. Under the Mission Har Ghar Resham, Pathankot and Gurdaspur have been identified as key districts for the initiative, which aims to promote silk farming and create better opportunities for farmers. This announcement was made by Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat during a review meeting with Horticulture Department officials at the Punjab Civil Secretariat on Thursday. He reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing sericulture and improving the livelihoods of silkworm farmers. Additional Chief Secretary Horticulture, Mr. Anurag Verma, and Horticulture Director, Mrs. Shailender Kaur, were also present at the meeting.
Silk Expo and Central Silk Board Support
The meeting highlighted the successful organization of a Silk Expo from December 4th to 9th, 2024, at Kisan Bhavan, Chandigarh. The event aimed to encourage sericulture in Punjab and boost the income of silkworm farmers. The Central Silk Board has also pledged continued support for the initiative in the coming years.
Financial Support for Sericulture Development
Minister Mohinder Bhagat revealed that, as part of Punjab Government’s efforts and in collaboration with HDFC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund Scheme, a special initiative has been launched to provide silkworm seeds to farmers below the poverty line. With a budget of ₹14.82 lakh, this program aims to promote sericulture and uplift the economic conditions of farmers.
Furthermore, HDFC Bank’s CSR program will contribute ₹51.17 lakh for setting up a reeling unit to extract silk threads from cocoons. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance silk production and generate higher income for farmers.
Training and Cluster Approach for Sericulture Growth
Minister Mohinder Bhagat also highlighted the Punjab Government’s PHASE scheme, which will focus on a cluster-based approach to train farmers and transform them into agribusiness entrepreneurs. As part of this initiative, interstate study tours will be organized, with HDFC Bank’s CSR program providing financial assistance to facilitate learning and exposure.
This initiative represents a major step towards expanding sericulture in Punjab and driving rural economic development.
Officials in Attendance
The meeting was attended by Deputy Director of Horticulture Shri Harmail Singh, Horticulture Development Officer Balwinderjit Kaur, Sericulture Promotion Officer Meenu Sidana, and other senior officials.