Pampore, June 25: Punjab’s Horticulture Minister,Chetan Singh Jauramajra, accompanied by Special Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sanyam Aggarwal, visited the Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute (CSR&TI) in Pampore today. The delegation, which included officials and progressive farmers, was welcomed by Dr. Ashok Kumar K, Director I/C of CSR&TI.
During the visit, Minister Jauramajra showed keen interest in sericulture practices, engaging with institute scientists and touring the museum and laboratories. He inquired about mulberry varieties suitable for Punjab’s climate and expressed enthusiasm about a proposed field trial of new nutrigenetic silkworm hybrids for the region.
The Minister’s visit focused on understanding the scope of sericulture in Punjab, with discussions centering on potential training programs for farmers. In the post-cocoon laboratory, he gathered information on implementing reeling processes in Punjab, showing particular interest in technologies that could improve farmers’ economic conditions.
Dr Irfan Illahi, Joint Director, presented an overview of CSR&TI Pampore’s mandate and activities, highlighting the institute’s role in sericulture development.
Concluding his visit, Minister Jauramajra commended the institute’s efforts in developing region-specific mulberry varieties and silkworm hybrids. He emphasized the importance of post-cocoon activities, suggesting that enabling farmers to produce raw silk instead of just cocoons could significantly boost their profitability.