Punjab government to boost silk production in state under 'Har Ghar Resham' initiative

In a significant move to promote sericulture and enhance silk production in Punjab, the state government has decided to establish reeling and cocoon storage units.

Under the mission “Har Ghar Resham,” Pathankot and Gurdaspur will play a key role in expanding silk production and creating better opportunities for farmers.

During a review meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat on Thursday, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat emphasized the state’s commitment to boosting sericulture.

He reiterated that the government is focused on improving silk production and enhancing the livelihoods of silkworm farmers. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Horticulture Anurag Verma and Horticulture Director Shailender Kaur.

Officials highlighted that a Silk Expo was organized from December 4 to 9, 2024, at Kisan Bhavan, Chandigarh. The event aimed to strengthen silk production and increase farmers' earnings. The Central Silk Board has also extended its support for this initiative in the coming years.

Mohinder Bhagat further stated that the Punjab Government, in collaboration with HDFC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund Scheme, has launched a program to assist farmers from economically weaker sections by providing silkworm seeds.

This initiative, with a budget of ₹14.82 lakh, seeks to generate greater interest in sericulture and uplift farmers' living standards. The scheme includes the provision of silkworm seed material, which is expected to further stimulate silk farming.

Under this CSR program, HDFC Bank has also allocated ₹51.17 lakh for setting up a reeling unit to extract silk threads from cocoons. This facility is expected to significantly boost farmers’ income and provide widespread benefits to the silk industry.

Additionally, the Punjab Government’s PHASE scheme will promote a cluster-based approach, equipping farmers with skills to become agri-business entrepreneurs. As part of this initiative, interstate study tours will be organized to offer farmers exposure to best practices in sericulture, with HDFC Bank’s CSR program offering financial support.

This initiative marks a crucial step toward expanding sericulture and accelerating economic development in Punjab’s rural regions.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Director of Horticulture Harmail Singh, Horticulture Development Officer Balwinderjit Kaur, Sericulture Promotion Officer Meenu Sidana, and other senior officials.