Dhalpar, September 19, 2025-In a vibrant display of community service and agricultural innovation, a hands-on demonstration programme on advanced #SilkwormRearing techniques was successfully organized at Dhalpar under the aegis of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA). This initiative, seamlessly integrated into the nationwide #SewaParv celebrations, brought together local farmers to foster sustainable sericulture practices, highlighting the transformative potential of scientific farming in rural economies.The event, held on September 18, 2025, at the Dhalpar community hall, drew over 40 enthusiastic participants, including progressive farmers, women self-help group members, and young agri-entrepreneurs from surrounding villages. Organized by the ATMA block team in collaboration with the Sericulture Development Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the programme aimed to sensitize attendees on cutting-edge methods for #SilkwormRearing, emphasizing disease prevention, optimal nutrition, and efficient cocoon production to boost yields by up to 30%.Expert trainers, led by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Senior Sericulture Specialist from KVK, demonstrated practical techniques such as proper disinfection protocols using eco-friendly disinfectants, temperature-controlled rearing trays, and hybrid mulberry leaf feeding strategies.
“Silkworms are sensitive to environmental stressors, but with these #AdvancedSilkwormRearing methods, farmers can minimize losses from pebrine and flacherie diseases while maximizing cocoon quality,” Dr. Kumar explained during the interactive session. Attendees received live demonstrations on constructing low-cost rearing sheds, handling young larvae with feather brushes, and employing shoot rearing for space efficiency—key #Sericulture innovations tailored to Jammu & Kashmir’s temperate climate.The programme underscored the broader ethos of #SewaParv, a flagship initiative under Amrit Kaal promoting selfless service through skill-building and community upliftment. Block Development Officer Sunita Devi highlighted how such events align with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, empowering rural stakeholders to combat unemployment and enhance income through #Sericulture ventures. “By adopting these techniques, our farmers can turn mulberry groves into profit centers, producing high-grade bivoltine cocoons that fetch premium prices in domestic and export markets,” she noted.Building on the success of similar demonstrations across Kashmir—such as the recent disinfection workshop at Anantnag under the Mera Resham Mera Abhiyan—the Dhalpar event distributed toolkits including mulberry saplings, disinfectants, and rearing manuals. Participants shared testimonials, with one farmer, Mohammad Iqbal, stating, “This #ATMA training has given us the confidence to scale up from backyard rearing to commercial levels, ensuring food security and economic stability for our families.”
As #SewaParv gains momentum across districts, with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir reviewing preparations for widespread convergence activities, initiatives like this at Dhalpar exemplify grassroots impact. Farmers keen to join upcoming #SilkwormRearing workshops or access subsidies under the National Sericulture Mission are urged to contact their local ATMA office or visit the Sericulture Development Department portal at sericulture.jk.gov.in.This demonstration not only equipped Dhalpar’s farming community with actionable knowledge but also wove the threads of service, sustainability, and self-reliance into the fabric of rural Jammu & Kashmir’s progress. As one participant aptly summed up, “In the spirit of #SewaParv, we’re rearing silkworms today for a brighter tomorrow.”
