A three-day silkworm rearing training session was organized for 128 farmers in the Sericulture Center at Authmaqam in Neelum Valley district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The purpose of the training is to keep the sericulture cottage industry growing and create jobs for both men and women, according to a press release received by WealthPK. The training was a part of the ongoing integrated plan for promotion of ancient sericulture tradition in the district.

The press said that the training session was followed by a kit distribution ceremony among the farmers, under the second phase of the program. According to the press statement, Secretary of Industries & Commerce of the AJK Government Wajahat Rasheed Baig said, “it is a highly appreciable initiative. It will go a long way to eradicate poverty, increase women empowerment and create jobs for the locals. It will also improve the climate of the region with mulberry plantations.”He added, “we need more technical knowledge and skills. We need to work on those areas where we can get a market value for our services and skills. Mere degrees are good for nothing.

Future will reward skills and productivity.”Director of the Sericulture Center Syed Asghar Ali Shah said, “we are committed to providing training and distributing free-of-charge kits and 36,000 saplings of the mulberry tree. We will continue with our program of integrated sericulture cottage industry promotion.” The press release stated that during the upcoming season of plantations and silkworm rearing, the department will also provide the farmers with local and imported silk seeds, mulberry plants and free-of-charge urea fertiliser. The training was attended by 128 farmers and members of the sericulture department, the press release said.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk